tihvaxy  of t:hc  theological  ^eminarjp 

PRINCETON    •    NEW  JERSEY 
PRESENTED  BY 


A.    G.    Cameron,    Ph.D. 
5.18.11 


^:?61 


THE 


BIBLE   AGENT'S   GUIDE. 


/ 


The  American  Bible  Society— having  the  ^corlcl  for  its  field,  and  the 
circulation  of  the  Scriptures  for  its  object — operates  for  this  purpose 
abroad,  by  the  instrumentahty  of  missionaries,  and  at  home  through  the 
medium  of  auxiUary  societies.  These  auxiliaries  usually  embrace  a  sin- 
gle County,  and  now  number  between  fifteen  hundred  and  two  thou.sand. 
As  it  is  found  that  they  are  essential  to  the  greatest  usefulness  of  the 
Parent  Society,  it  is  designed  to  increase  the  number  from  time  to  time, 
until  each  County  in  the  Union  has  one. 

In  some  of  the  States  the  formation  of  societies  has  been  extended  still 
farther  ;  one  being  organized  in  each  town  or  precinct  auxiliary  to  the 
County  Society,  and  sustaining  a  similar  relation  to  it  that  this  does  to 
the  American.  Each  of  these  branch  societies  has  a  small  depository  of 
Bibles  and  Testaments,  and  a  local  agent,  generally,  in  every  school  dis- 
trict, to  assist  in  raising  funds  and  circulating  the  Scriptures.  Immedi- 
ately after  each  annual  meeting,  an  eifort  is  made  in  all  of  the  districts 
for  these  purposes.  Subscriptions  are  taken  payable  annually ;  the 
agent  collecting  the  annual  instalments  as  they  fall  due,  and  inviting  those 
who  are  not  members  to  become  such,  by  pledging  and  paying  such  sums 
as  they  choose. 

The  plan  of  operating  'through^branch  Societies  has  a  number  of  ad- 
vantages : 

1st.  A  more  general  interest  is  excited.  The  people  feel  that  these  lo- 
cal Societies,  organized  in  their  own  neighborhoods,  with  their  officers 
selected  from  among  them,  their  annual  meetings  held  in  their  midst,  and 
of  which  all  are  invited  to  become  members,  are  their  men,  and  hence 
manifest  much  more  interest  in  sustaining  them  than  they  would  a  mere 
county  organization,  having  its  head  quarters  at  a  distance,  controlled  by 
men  with  whom  they  are  unacquainted,  and  the  annual  meetings  of  which 
they  seldom  or  never  attend. 

2nd.  The  work  of  raising  funds  and  circulating  books  is  done  more  ef- 
fectually. "Where  funds  arc  raised  merely  by  public  collections,  only  a 
portion  of  the  friends  of  the  cause  are  reached,  and  where  books  are  cir- 
culated by  a  Bible  Colporteur  but  once  in  three  or  four  years,  many  fom- 
ilies  remain  unsupplied  during  part  of  the  interim.  But  on  the  plan 
proposed,  each  family  is  reached  with  a  svibscription  book  and  with  Bi- 
bles and  Testaments  every  year. 

od.  The  establishment  of  Depositories.  One  of  these  is  connected  with 
each  branch  Society,  from  which  Bibles  and  Testaments  may  be  obtain- 
ed at  low  prices,  or  for  gratuitous  distribution,  where  necessary.  These 
depositories  being  accessible  to  all,  thousands  of  copies  of  the  Scriptures 
are  annually  issued  from  them,  which  ^would  not  be  circulated  if  there 
were  County  Depositories  onhj. 


ggisi 


4th,  It  is  more  economical.  The  labors  of  the  local  agents  are  gratuit- 
ous, and  thus  expense  is  saved.  On  the  old  plan  of  employing  Bible  Col- 
porteurs to  circulate  the  Scriptures  and  do  little  or  nothjfig  else,  a  large 
share  of  what  is  received  from  ihcir  sale  is  exhausted  in  paying  for  their 
circulation,  and  at  the  close  of  the  effort  the  County  Society  is  often  deep- 
ly in  debt  for  Bibles  and  Testaments,  without  the  means  of  paying. 
There  is  no  sufficient  reason  why  many  of  these  books  should  not  be  cir- 
culated without  cost,  and  by  securing  local  agents  to  do  it,  we  not 
only  save  expense,  but  confer  a  favor  on  these  fellow-laborers.  There  is 
also  no  suiBcient  reason  why  a  traveling  agent  should  not  be  both  a  col- 
lector and  distributor  at  the  same  time,  and  thus  pay  his  own  way  several 
times  over.  Although  some  of  the  work  has  to  be  performed  by  salaried 
agents,  yet  it  is  much  less  than  would  be  necessary  did  they  not  have  the 
assistance  of  the  local  ones,  for  even  if  sonie  of  the  latter  are  inefficient, 
others  will  perform  a  great  deal  of  valuable  service.  The  traveling 
agents  can  also  operate  much  more  successfully  in  their  visits  from  house 
to  house,  if  they  have  a  local  agent — a  neighbor  to  pilot  them,  introduce 
them,  and  aid  them  by  their  influence  and  advocacy,  than  they  could 
without. 

5th,  The  reflex  influence  exerted  upon  the  local  agents  is  valuable. 
They  find  that  in  watering  others  they  are  watered  themselves — that  it 
promotes  their  own  growth  in  grace  and  preparation  for  heaven,  to  labor 
for  the  welfare  of  others — that  they  are  especially  benefited  and  quicken- 
ed in  the  Divine  life,  by  supplying  the  destitute  poor  with  the  Scriptures, 
and  witnessing  their  gratitude  upon  the  reception  of  the  'gifts. 

6th  These  local  societies,  like  those  of  which  they  are  branches,  circu- 
late the  Scriptures  without  note  or  comment,  and  hence  are  sustained-  by 
different  denominations".  The  union  of  Christians  in  their  respective  lo- 
calities, for  the  promotion  of  a  common  Christian  and  philanthropic  object, 
will  have  a  tendency  to  demolish  the  sectarian  walls  which  divide  them, 
and  thus  be  productive  of  good. 

The  plan  of  taking  subscriptions  payable  annually,  also  has  its  advan- 
tages: 

1st.  It  obviates  the  necessity  of  getting  up  an  entirely  new  subscrip- 
tion list  every  year,  and  thus  saves  agency. 

2nd.  It  secures  a  larger  income.  Where  an  individual  subscribes  to 
pay  but  once,  he  frequently  neglects  to  redeem  his  pledge  until  the  close 
of  the  year,  or  the  commencement  of  the  next,  and  then  pleads  that  he 
cannot  make  a  subscription  for  another  ycav,  because  he  has  just  paid 
his  old  one,  or,  perhaps,  because  he  has  not  yet  paid  it.  But  the  amount 
of  an  annual  subscription  becomes  due  at  a  certain  time  each  year,  and 
if  a  member  has  neglected  to  make  his  yearly  payments,  we  call  on  him 
at  the  same  time  for  as  many  installments  as  remain  unpaid,  and  thus  ^^^ 
cure  an  e5^?/2«a/€?ii  for  an  annual  donation,  though  it  may  not  have  been 
paid  annually. 

3d.  It  cultivates  habits  of  systematic  lenefl^ence.  The  principle  usually 
acted  upon  is  to  give  what  happens  to  be  convenient,  and  hence,  if  there 
is  a  partial  failure  of  crops,  or  pressure  in  the  money  market,  benevolent 
contributions  are  among  the  first  things  curtailed.  They  should  be  among 
the  last,  and  hence,  the  friends  of  our  principal  benevolent  institutions, 
should  adopt  the  plan  of  giving  a  certain  amount  annually  to  each,  whe- 
ther it  is  exactly  convenient  or  not ;  and  if  necessary,  retrench  expendi- 
tures for  themselves,  instead  of  their  gifts  to  tho  cause  of  Christ.     By 


pledging  certain  sums  to  be  paid  at  certain  sea?ons  annually,  individuals 
will  know,  also,  at  v/hat  times  they  become  due — can  lay  by  money  to 
meet  those  payments,  and  will  cultivate  habits  of  system  in  giving,  now 
so  rare,  yet  so  important. 

The  plan  of  operating  through  branch  Societies,  by  local  agents 
and  annual  subscriptions,  has  been  in  operation  in  one  of  the  North-wes- 
tern States  for  several  years,  and  has  been  found  to  work  wdl.  The 
number  of  branch  Societies  organized  here  has  been  over  one  thousand, 
not  twenty  of  which  have  ceased  to  exist ;  and  the  State,  though  behind 
several  others  in  population  and  wealth,  is  now  the  third  in  the  Union  in 
the  amount  of  its  remittances  to  the  American  Bible  Society.  It  is  true 
that  there  is  much  machinery  connected  with  this  plan,  and  it  requires 
care,  experience,  efficiency  a.nd  perseverance  to  manage  it  successfully  ;  but 
we  think  it  better  to  have  some  machinery  and  accomplish  something 
commensurate  with  the  importance  of  the  object,  rather  than  to  have  a 
plan  so  simple  as  to  be  almost  destitute  of  power. 

NEED  OF  AGENTS. 

That  traveling  agents  for  the  promotion  of  the  Bible  cause  are  needed 
is  obvious  to  officers  of  Bible  Societies  who  have  an  opportunity  of  learn- 
ing: how  little  would  be  accomplished  without  them.  But  some  who  are 
differently  situated  do  not  understand  why  the  duties  of  agents  can  not 
be  performed  by  Pastors.  Such  persons  seem  to  suppose  that  the  duty 
of  an  agent  is  merely  to  raise  money, whereas  our  Bible  Societies  have  few 
if  any  mere  collecting  agents.  If  nothing  were  to  be  done  but  to  raise 
funds,  and  if  Pastors  would  take  hold  of  this  work,  as  they  might,  and 
espeiially  if  the  Bible  Society  were  a  denominational  institution,  it  is 
possible  that  agents  might  be  dispensed  with,  though  experience  proves 
that  uien  who  devote  their  attention  to  a  single  object,  can  accomplish 
more  for  it  jhan  those  who've  attention  is  divided  among  several.  But  the 
truth  is,  that  raising  funds  is  only  one  out  of  many  things  requiring  the 
attention  of  agents  ;  and  our  Bible  Societies  would  find  it  important  to  em- 
ploy them  even  if  they  did  not  get  a  dollar  in  donations  personally.  Even 
if  the  work  can  be  performed  to  a  great  extent  by  others  gratuitously,  there 
must  be  some  one  well  acquainted  with  it,  to  lay  it  out,  and  superintend 
its  execution.  Agents  are  expected  to  diffuse  information,  awaken  an  in- 
terest, organize  and  set  in  motion  Societies,  order  books,  establish  depos- 
itories, settle  accounts,  collect  dues,  remit  funds,  &c.,  &c., — duties  which 
will  olten  be  neglected  by  those  not  specially  devoted  to  the  work.  They 
are  also  expected  to  perform  important  ynissionary  labor  ;  to  search  out 
and  supply  the  destitute  with  the  Scriptures  ;  recommend  their  perusal, 
and  a  conformity  to  their  precepts.  There  are  thousands  of  families  in 
our  country  who  will  never  have  the  Bible  unless  it  is  taken  to  their 
homes  by  paid  agents,  and  the  money  expended  for  this  missionary  ser- 
vice, if  necessary,  is  just  as  legitimately  expended  as  that  for  the  purchase 
of  books.  When  men  give  money  to  the  Bible  cause  they  ought  not  to 
expect  that  every  cent  of  their  contributions  will  be  laid  out  in  the  pur- 
chase of  Bibles,  for  these  will  do  no  good  unless  they  are  put  into  circu- 
lation. It  is  sometimes  asked,  if  Missionary  Societies  can  get  along  with- 
out agents,  why  not  Bible  Societies  ?  We  reply  that  Missionary  Socie- 
ties do  not  get  along  without  them.  Their  agents  or  missionaries  are  in 
foreign  lands,  and  nearly  all  that  these  Societies  raise  is  very  properly  ex- 
pended in  their  support.    On  the  contrary,  the  missionaries  or  agents  of 


Bible  Societief;  are  peiforming  an  equally  important  work  at  home ;  and 
if  eflBcient,  only  a  small  part  of  what  is  raised  need  be  expended  in  their 
support. 

The  eflSciency  of  the  system,  and  the  permanence  'of  the  organiza- 
tions proposed  in  this  pamphlet,  will  depend  very  much  upon  the  travel- 
ing agents  ;  and  the  principal  object  in  preparing  it  is  to  point  out  their 
qualifications  and  duties  in  connection  with  these  organizations. 

GENERAL  AGENT. 

A  superintendent  in  this  movement  is  indispensable — just  as  indispen- 
sable as  that  a  watch  should  have  a  main-spring — and  the  General  Agent 
sustains  a  similar  relation  to  the  machinery  of  this  system  that  the  main- 
spring does  to  the  other  machinery  of  a  watch.  He  I'eeps  it  moving. 
He  organizes  and  resuscitates  County  Societies — confers  with  their  com- 
mittees in  relation  to  the  plan  and  its  prosecution — finds  suitable  men  for 
county  agents,  and  recommends  their  employment — furnishes  them  with 
the  necessary  papers,  and  takes  charge  of  what  are  left  at  the  close  of 
their  labors — keeps  up  a  correspondence  with  them,  and  labors  with  them 
when  practicable — assists  in  providing  Counties  with  agents  at  the  right 
time,  and  agents  with  fields  of  labor — presents  the  Bible  cause  in  the 
more  important  places,  and  diffuses  information  in  relation  to  it  through 
the  press — sees  that  books  are  ordered  and  funds  remitted — settles  ac- 
counts and  collects  dues — attends  annual  meetings,  and  in  various 
other  ways,  labors  to  promote  the  cause  to  which  he  is  devoted. 

Hence,  he  should  be  a  business  man,  and  a  man  willing  to  devote  him- 
self to  business  six  days  out  of  every  seven.  No  one  who  considers  his 
work  done  for  the  'vvGok,  when  he  has  presented  the  cause  on  the  Sab- 
bath, should  accept  of  such  an  agency.  Nor  should  he  be  unwilling  to 
engage  in  personal  solicitation,  and  perform,  when  occasion  requires,  the 
duties  of  a  county  agent.  Nor  should  he  leave  it  to  the  societies  or  com- 
mittees to  do  the  work  alone.  He  and  his  paid  assistants  must  do  much 
of  it  themselves,  through  the  Societies,  with  their  assent  and  co-operation. 
Nor  should  the  work  be  allowed  to  stop  long  in  any  county,  on  account 
of  the  difficulty  of  securing  the  requisite  number  of  county  agents. 
They  must  be  secured,  and  at  the  right  time,  also.  It  will  not  answer  to 
have  a  county  visited  when  it  happens  to  be  convenient;  but  a  particu- 
lar time  each  year  should  be  assigned  to  each  county,  and  agents  secured 
to  make  the  effort  at  that  time  without  fail.  No  such  word  as  "cannot" 
should  have  any  place  in  the  system.  Nor  should  any  general  agent 
adopt  the  plan  proposed  who  does  not  design  to  continue  in  the  work  for 
years,  and  ca^rry  out  the  system  which  he  commences.  It  is  better  not 
to  form  branch  societies  at  all  than  to  leave  them  to  die,  and  the  subscrip- 
tions and  books  deposited  with  them  to  be  lost. 

COUNTY  AGENTS. 

These  are  both  collecting  and  distributing  Agents.  They  form 
branch  societies,  and  attend  annual  meetings — present  the  Bible 
Causp  tr»  congregation?  on  the  Sabbath,  and  viait  from  house  to  house 
during  the  wppk — furnish  local  agents  with  the  necessary  book.?  and 
papers,  and  assist  them  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties — send  out 
numerous  circulars,  writ^  numerous  letters — examine  and  settle  ac- 
counts, and  in  general  act  as  the  Executive  of  the  Society  for  which 
they  labor.     Each  County  Society  has  an  agent  for  a  few  weoksor 


months  annually,  as  there  is  no  other  method  by  which  the  branch 
Societies  can  be  kept  in  active  operation.  But  as  his  services  are 
not  needed  in  one  County  for  the  whole  year,  he  labors  in  several  con- 
tiguous ones — the  annual  meetings  in  these  Counties  being  held  in 
such  successive  order  that  he  can  attend  them  all.  By  this  arrange- 
ment the  Agent  cm  have  constant  employment,  and  the  Societies 
can  have  the  labors  of  an  experienced  agent,  which  is  very  impor- 
tant. The  General  Agent  confers  with  the  County. Committees,  and 
the  candidates  for  employment,  and  makes  arrangements  for  their 
labors,  in  case  they  are  acceptable,  AVhen  an  agent  completes  the 
eifort  in  a  County,  he  receives  his  compensation  for  the  time  spent 
there,  and  charges  the  next  County  Society  for  the  time  spent  in  its 
service.  The  field  of  a  County  Agent  usually  embraces  from  four 
to  six  Counties,  thus  giving  him  two  or  three  months  annually  to 
each.  With  such  assistance  as  he  can  secure  from  the  local  agents, 
he  is  expected  to  keep  the  machinery  in  these  counties  in  active 
operation — to  have  the  field  well  supplied  with  the  Scriptures,  and 
make  it  productive  of  funds  for  the  general  Cause.  After  he  has  ac- 
quired some  experience,  he  can  perform,  to  some  extent,  the  duties 
of  a  General  Agent  on  his  particular  field,  as  well  as  those  of  a 
County  Agent,  and  thus  render  the  visits  of  an  Agent  of  the  Parent 
Society  unnecessary.  He  is  also  expected  to  be  the  Corresponding 
Secretarij  for  his  district,  keeping  the  organizations  within  its  bounds 
in  motion  by  his  pen,  when  he  is  unable  to  do  so  by  his  pi-esence. 
On  subsequent  pages,  various  duties  requiring  the  use  of  the  pen 
will  be  pointed  out,  and  he  will  have  occasion  to  use  it  during  all  of 
his  leisure  moments.  ;No  one  who  cannot  compose  and  write  rapidly, 
perspicuously  and  courteously,  or  who  is  unwilling  to  attend  to  the 
necessary  correspondence,  as  well  as  to  other  duties,  should  aspire 
to  such  a  position. 

The  prosperity  of  the  Cause  on  any  field  will  depend  very  much 
upon  the  qualifications  of  the  Agent.  Among  others,  he  should 
possess  the  following  ; 

1st.  Industry. — This  is  a  very  important  qualification.  The 
work  will  require  the  entire  services  of  the  agent  from  early  dawn 
until  the  time  for  rest,  and  from  Monday  morning  until  Saturday 
night.  If  he  wastes  his  time  in  sleep,  or  in  idle  chit-chat,  or  in  do- 
ing nothing,  the  cause  will,  of  course,  suffer.  Ho  sliould  never  be 
seen  unemployed  or  waiting.  While  his  days  are  spent  in  visiting 
from  house  to  house,  his  mornings,  evenings,  and  other  fragments  of 
time  should  be  occupied  in  writing,  of  which  he  will  have  much  to 
perform.  Closely,  connected  with  industry,  is  the  habit  of  transacting 
business  ra/jirf^/.  Every  word  spoken  should  "tell"  for  the  object 
aimed  at,  and  no  foreign  topic  should  prolong  the  conversation,  By 
observing  these  rules,  some  agents  visit  twice  as  many  families  diiily 
as  others.  An  Agent  can  endure  to  be  more  busy  than  others,  from 
the  fact  that  there  is  so  much  variety  in  his  labors.  At  one  time  he  is 
riding,  at  another  writing,  and  at  another  talking,  so  that  the  frequent 
changes,  together  with  exercise  in  the  open  air,  make  his  labors 
much  less  wearing  than  those  nf  the  clnse  student,  nr  of  the  man 
who,  from  morning  until  night,  wields  the  cradle  or  the  axe. 

2d.  Energy. — Another  important   characteristic  is  Energy — that 
kind  of  energy  which  overcomes  obstacles,  and  blots  the  word  '"fail- 


are"  from  the  vocabulary — that  kind  which  dooides  what  phonld  be 
done,  and  gucceedsin  accomplishinprit — that  kind  which  hefd-*  not  the 
opposition  of  the  wicked,  and  regards  not  the  hardships  of  the  work. 
Hd.  Tact. — Not  prevarication,  not  deception  ;  not  taking:  a  course 
which  will  bring  odium  upon  the  cause,  but  taking  the  riglit  course, 
and  succeeding,  instead  of  the  wrong  one,  and  failing. 

4th.  Pkrsf.veranck. — Few  cnusee  ocCRnion  greater  embflrras- 
ment.  or  nre  morp  injurious  to  the  work,  than  the  want  of  stability 
and  pprmnnence  on  the  part  of  Agents.  Our  machinery  is  so  com- 
plicated, and  experiencp  in  the  management  of  branch  Soo.ipties  so 
imp<irtnnt,  that  ihose  without  it  are  prone  to  make  sad  work,  and  if 
there  is  a  constant  change  of  agents,  so  that  we  have  to  depend 
ypon  the  inexperienced,  the  prosperity  of  the  cause  is,  of  course, 
retarded.  The  true  policy,  therefore,  is  not  to  enc:a?e  men  who 
will  become  discouraged  by  slight  obstacles,  and  resign  just  as  they 
have  become  prepared  to  operate  efficiently,  but  to  st^cure  those 
who  will  give  up  everything  else  and  make  the  Agency  a  business 
for  years — a  professinn.  and  who,  for  the  sakei  of  (joinff  ffnod,  will  be 
willing  to  endure  hardness  as  the  servants  of  Jesus  Christ. 

5th.  Education. — 'I  he  importance  of  thi.s  will  he  obvious.  Es- 
pecially should  the  agent  be  a  good  penman  and  accountant. 

6th.  Accuracy  and  Mf.thod. — There  are  so  many  accounts  to 
be  kept,  and  so  much  machinery  to  be  managed,  that  these  habits 
are  very  important.  Thei'e  should  be  a  place  for  everything?,  and 
everything  in  its  place— a  time  for  everything,  and  everything 
done  in  its  time — a  way  of  doing  everything,  and  everything  done 
in  the  right  way.  Especially  should  the  Agent  be  methodical  in  the 
care  and  use  of  his  manuscript  and  printed  papers,  having  a  place 
for  each,  and  each  in  its  place.  Otherwi>e,  as  they  are  so  nume- 
Touf-,  they  will  be  likely  to  get  into  confusion,  and  when  one  of  them 
is  wanted,  a  long  search  will  be  necessary. 

7th.  Thr  Ability  to  Interest  and  Instruct  a  Chnorega* 
TloN. — huUviduals  expect  that  an  agent,  whose  mind  and  whose  lec- 
tures are  constantly  on  one  subject,  will  present  something  interest- 
ing, and  it  they  are  turned  oif  with  a  dry.  prosy  address,  they  are 
disatipninted.  The  agent  should  make  the  requisite  preparation  for 
his  puhlic  eflforts,  should  have  his  addresses  well  spiced  with  facts, 
should  be  animated  in  his  delivery,  and,  if  possible,  should  prove 
him-elf  a  workman  that  need  not  be  ashamed  to  stand  in  any  pulpit. 

8th.  Appearance  and  Behavior. — An  agent  s-hould  be  a  gentle- 
man. We  do  not  mean  a  fop,  but  a  gentleman  in  the  true  sense  of 
the  word,  .'ill  improprieties  in  conduct  or  conversation,  which  have 
a  tendency  to  disgust,  should  be  avoided.  The  ageu*.  should  so  con- 
duct himself  towards  those  whose  hospitality  he  shares  as  that  they 
will  be  glad  to  have  him  call  again,  and  he  should  so  treat  those  who 
refuse  to  give  as  that  he  may  apply  to  them  afterwards.  Nor  should 
an  agent  be  regardless  of  the  appearance  of  his  dress  and  traveling 
equipage.  Although  he  should  not  be  foppish  or  extravagant  in  his 
apparel,  yet  his  influence  and  usefulness  will  be  promoted  by  dress- 
ing in  accordance  with  his  employment,  and  clothing  which  would 
answer  to  wear  on  a  farm  or  in  a  shop  will  hardly  answer  for  us  when 
we  are  constantly  meeting  with  strangers,  many  of  whom  will  form 
their  opinione  of  us  and  of  our  cause,   by  our  pereonal  appearance. 


We  owe  it  to  the  Society  which  we  represent,  and  to  the  dignity  of 
our  office,  to  pay  some  attention  to  this  matter.  If  we  do  so,  we 
shall  find  more  ready  access  to  pulpits  on  the  Sabbath,  and  to  the 
pockets  of  the  wealthy  during  the  week.  We  shall  also  find  the  lo- 
cal agents,  especially  in  cities  and  villages,  more  ready  to  accom- 
pan7  and  introduce  us. 

9th.  The  absence  of  a  Sectarian  Spirit. — The  agent  should 
go  out  not  as  a  representative  of  any  particular  denomination,  but 
as  the  representative  of  the  B'ble  Society.  He  t^hould  n^member 
that  he  is  laboring  ft>r  difi'erent  denominations  and  be  careful  not  to 
give  offence  to  any  by  expressions  or  conduct. 

10th.  Piety. — Last,  though  not  least,  we  mention  active  piety  as 
not  only  an  important,  but  as  an  essential  characteristic  uf  a  good 
Bible  Agent.  This  qualification,  so  important  to  every  one,  is  es- 
pecially so  to  agents.  We  have  been  led  almost  to  tremble  in  view 
of  the  crushing  responsibilities  renting  upon  them.  Mingling,  as 
they  do,  with  thousands,  they  of  necessity  exert  an  influence  that 
will  tell  for  weal  or  woe  upon  the  eternal  destinies  of  those  upon 
whom  this  influence  is  exerted.  A  traveling  Bible  Agent  enjoys  op- 
portunities of  usefulness  not  possessed  by  those  who  remain  sta- 
tionary, and  if  he  does  nothing  but  merely  promote  the  mechanical 
circulati(»n  of  the  Scriptures,  without  endeavoring  to  rt-commend  and 
exemplify  their  religit)n,  he  will  have  a  most  fearful  account  to  ren- 
der up  in  the  judgment,  Although  he  is  not  expected  to  introduce 
religiitus  conversation  and  prayer  in  every  family  which  he  visits, 
yet  he  can  frequently  do  this,  especially  where  he  .spends  the  night, 
and  can  accompany  the  douatimiof  a  Bible  or  a  Testament  with  an 
exhnrtatiDn  or  a  remark,  which  God  may  make  use  of  as  the  means 
of  the  conversion  of  a  soul  that  will  live  forever. 

DOCUxMEXrS. 

Of  these,  some  fifteen  or  twenty  different  kind.s  will  be  needed, 
They  should  be  thorougiily  and  Irequentiy  examined  by  the  agent, 
so  that  lie  will  be  at  no  loss  to  understand  their  correct  use. 

J  St,  This  Pami'HLkt. — One  of  these  .-hnuid  be  the  constant  com- 
panion r)f  the  agent — should  be  read  by  him  repeatedly,  and  referri'd 
to  whenever  he  is  at  a  loss  with  regard  to  the  manner  of  t|  crating, 
Espicially  shnuld  the  specimens  of  accounts  in  it  be  undeistood  aud 
adopKd  as  a  pattern. 

2d.  ('(INSTITUTIONS. — f^ne  of  these  should  be  left,  fiftr-r  the  blanks 
have  been  filled,  with  each  i^ecretary  and  each  Treusurer,  to  be  c>p- 
ied  or  pa.-ted  into  their  books.  'I  hose  de.-igned  for  Auxiliary  Sncie- 
ties,  and  used  by  the  General  Agent,  are  somewhat  diff^erent  from 
those  adopted  by  Branch  Societies,  and  furnished  by  County  Agents. 

3d.  SUB.SCUIPTION  Books. — A  separate  one  is  used  ineacii  dis- 
trict, and  left  with  the  agent  for  that  district,  that  he  may  ob'ain 
additional  fubscriptious^ — collect  the  unpaid  ones,  &.c.  On  tlie  fir.-t 
page  are  explanations  to  subscribers,  and  on  some  of  the  last  sug- 
gestions to  local  agents,  to  which  their  attention  should  be  directed. 

4th.  TuAXScuiBiNG  Books, — One  of  these  is  made  out  fur  each 
society  aud  contains  thenames  and  Post  Ufiices  of  the  officers — the 
time  uf  the   last  annual  meeting — the  place  of  the  next  one — th© 


names  of  the  subscribers,  with  their  payments — a  summary,  &c. 
This  is  retained  by  the  County  Agent  for  his  future  use.  or  that  of 
his  successor,  and  serves  as  a  guide  to  him  in  his  operations. 

5th.  Abbreviated  Transcribino  Books. — The  County  Agent 
sends  one  of  these  to  the  General  Agent  immediately  after  comple- 
ting his  labors  in  each  Society  and  uses  another  for  a  cover  to  his 
full  one,  in  ease  he  does  not  make  out  a  new  one. 

0th.  Circulars  with  Notices. — There  are  several  kinds  of 
these,  viz :  Annual,  semi-annual  and  quarterly  to  main  officers  and 
to  Local  Agents — those  of  each  kind  to  the  latter  being  different 
from  those  to  the  former.  These  circulars  are  filled  up  by  the 
County  Agent,  and  sent  out  unsealed  by  mail  three  or  four  weeks 
before  the  meetings  occur.  Their  object  is  not  only  to  notify  the 
meetings  but  to  suggest  the  performance  of  certain  duties  by  those 
who  receive  them.  Care  should  be  taken  te  send  the  right  ones  to 
the  right  persons  and  at  the  right  times.  W^  also  have  blank  cards 
for  notices  of  quarterly  meetings,  which  we  fill  up  and  leave  with 
the  officers  and  agents  immediately  after  each  annual  meeting  where 
quarterly  meetings  are  to  be  held. 

7th.  Distributors  Books. — These  are  for  recording  the  sales  and 
gifts  of  books,  and  entering  thatf  items  by  the  Traveling  Agent. 
They  should  be  used  for  the  original  entries  of  these  items,  as  much 
labor  will  thereby  be  saved. 

8th.  Blanks  for  deeds,  notes,  &c.,  with  general  circulars  in  rela- 
tion to  their  use.  The  agent  sends  these  out  ahead  of  him  by  mail 
to  prepare  the  way  for  his  applications  for  large  sums  when  he 
arrives. 

9th.  Blanks  for  Local  Agents'  Reports. — One  of  these  is 
placed  in  the  hands  of  each  local  agent  when  the  traveling  agent 
leaves  him.  The  latter  places  upon  the  outside,  the  address  of  the 
Treasurer,  to  whom  it  is  to  be  sent,  and  upon  the  inside  the  names 
of  the  individuals  who  remain  to  be  seen.  The  formfer  obtains  such 
additional  subscriptions  as  he  may  be  able  to,  upon  his  subscription 
Ijook — copies  the  amount  of  each  on  to  his  report  opposite  the  right 
names,  and  forwards  it  to  the  Treasurer.  If  he  has  received  books 
for  circulation  he  also  reports  upon  this  blank  the  disposition  made 
of  them. 

10th.  Treasurers'' Reports. — They  are  for  the  use  of  Treasur- 
ers of  branch  societies.  One  of  them  is  enclosed  in  a  cireular  to 
each  Treasurer,  a  short  time  before  each  meeting,  that  he  may  fill 
it  up  and  have  it  ready.  These  also  are  of  different  kinds,  adapted 
to  annual,  semi-annual,  and  quarterly  meetings,  and  care  should  be 
taken  to  send  the  right  kinds  at  the  right  times. 

11th.  An  explanatory  pamphlet  in  relation  to  the  nature  of  the  sub- 
scriptions &c.,  or  a  tract  in  relation  to  the  Bible — the  Bible  cause, 
or  benevolence,  which  should  be  left  with  each  family.  The  object 
is  to  diffuse  information — excite  an  interst  in  tht3  Bible  cause — pro- 
mote love  for  the  Bible  and  induce  habits  of  beneficence. 

I2th.  Certificates  of  Life  Membership. — These  are  to  be 
signed  by  the  President  and  Secretary  of  the  Society,  to  which  the 
donation  is  made,  or  if  not  convenient  to  obtain  their  signatures 
then  by  the  traveling  agent,  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  those  who 


0 

are   entitled  to  them.     Life  Members  of  the  Parent  Society  obtain 
their  certificates  from  New  York. 

13th.  "  Suggestions  to  Treasurers." — One  of  these  is  pasted 
into  the  fore  part  of  each  Treasurer's  book  and  his  attention  called 
to  it. 

14th,  "Specimens  of  Accounts."— One  of  these  is  also  stitched 
into  each  Treasurer's  book  and  the  necessary  explanations  with  re- 
gard to  it  given. 

15th.  County  Sumjiaries. — These  are  made  out  by  the  County 
Agent  at  the  close  of  his  effort  in  each  County,  by  adding  together 
the  summaries  of  the  several  towns  or  precincts,  thus  showing  the 
aggregate  and  presenting  a  view  of  the  cause  in  the  County.  TKey 
also  contain  several  other  important  items.  A  copy  of  each  is  for- 
warded to  the  General  Agent  and  aflFords  him  material  for  his  articles 
for  the  press. 

In  additional  to  the  foregoing,  there  are  several  occasional  papers, 
the  object  of  which  will  be  seen  by  examination.  By  a  proper  un- 
derstanding and  use  of  these  various  documents,  an  agent  can 
accomplish  double  what  he  could  without  them. 

SUGGESTIONS  TO  COUNTY  AGENTS. 

Having  referred  briefly  to  the  plan  of  operating — the  qualifica- 
tions of  a  good  agent  and  the  necessary  papers,  we  proceed  to  make 
some  suggestions  under  several  headings — with  regard  to  the  min- 
uti09  of  the  plan  and  the  manner  of  operating.  These  suggestions 
must  of  necessity  be  desultory  and  somewhat  unconnected.  Some 
of  those  to  which  we  wish  to  give  special  prominence,  may  be 
alluded  to  under  more  than  one  heading.  Their  object,  however,  is 
not  an  exhibition  of  rhetoric,  but  to  secure  system  and  efliciency. 
They  are  made  after  some  twenty  years  experience  in  the  Bible 
Agency,  and  every  line  is  penned  with  a  view  to  previous  results 
and  necessities  ascertained  by  actual  obsei'vation.  The  importance 
of  these  suggestions  would  be  learned  by  County  Bible  Agents 
from  their  own  observation  should  they  continue  long  in  the  work, 
but  as  "  experience  keeps  a  dear  school,"  it  is  presumed  that  those 
for  whom  they  are  designed  will  prefer  to  conform  their  course  to 
them  at  once,  rather  than  learn  their  importance  by  witnessing  the 
disastrous  effects  of  pursuing  a  contrary  plan.  It  will  therefore 
be  expected  that  the  agent  will  studi/  what  follows,  thoroughly  until 
he  becomes  perfectly  acquainted  with  the  manner  of  operating  and 
then  refer  to  these  remarks,  frequently  for  counsel  and  guidance. 

If  he  will  do  so,  he  can  hardly  help  succeeding.  Where  agents 
have  failed  heretofore,  it  has  generally  been  because  they  have  not 
understood  or  carried  out  the  suggestions  with  which  they  have  been 
furnished.  It  must  therefore  be  understood  in  the  outset,  that  each 
agent,  instead  of  having  a  plan  of  hi3j)wn  or  working  without  one, 
must  carry  out  the  system  which  has  been  adopted  after  years  of  study 
and  observation,  and  which  has  received  the  approbation  of  hundreds 
of  executive  committees.  Otherwise  there  will  be  no  uniformity, 
and  our  admirable  machinery,  instead  of  moving  on  with  the  regu- 
larity of  clock  work,  will  become  disfirranged,  and  comparatively 
powerless. 

The  necessary  outfit  for  a  County  Agent,  will  consist  of  a  good 
Jleet  horse — a  buggy  with  a  good  sized  box  and  heavy  springs — a 

B 


10 

chest  or  trunk  for  books  and  a  leather  basket  for  the  same  purpose — 
a  pair  of  large  saddle-bags — a  port-folio — pen — pocket  inkstand — 
pencil — piece  of  India  rubber — blotting  paper,  vial  of  mucilage,  &c. 

The  importance  of  ajlcet  horse  is  obvious,  as  with  such  a  one  the 
agent  will  spend  less  time  in  going  from  place  to  place  and  more  in 
the  actual  duties  of  his  work  than  otherwise. 

The  leather  basket  is  for  carrying  books  from  the  wagon  to  the 
houses.  It  is  usually  made  by  saddlers — of  hpa'uess  leather — at  a 
cost  of  about  $2.50.  The  size  and  shape  should  be  such  as  to  hold 
one  of  the  Eoyal  Octavo  Bibles  with  a  variety  of  the  smaller  kinds. 
The  leather  forming  the  bottom  and  sides  will  be  extended  as  a  cover 
and  thus  make  it  water  proof.  The  saddle-bags  are  for  use  in  trav- 
eling on  horseback  when  the  going  is  bad.  They  should  be  large 
enough  to  contain  the  necessary  papers  and  clothing,  with  a  few 
small  books,  &c.,  for  circulation.  The  outfit  is  of  course  furnished 
by  the  agent  himself,  but  the  articles  composing  it  will  not  lose  their 
value  when  he  ceases  to  labor  in  the  cause. 

Organization  of  Societies  and  labors  in  Connection  with 
THEM. — The  agent  will  find  that  his  chief  business  is  with  branch 
societies  and  that  his  operations  will  be  mainly  through  the  medium 
of  these  organizations.  One  of  his  first  duties  therefore,  will  be  to 
go  to  the  Court  House,  and  with  the  assistance  of  some  one  there 
possessing  the  requisite  information,  make  an  outline  map  of  the 
county  in  which  he  is  to  labor — showing  the  towns  or  precincts — 
villages — streams,  &c.  A  copy  of  this  map  should  be  forwarded  to 
the  agent  of  the  Parent  Society  unless  already  supplied.  The  orig- 
inal should  be  kept  with  the  transcribing  books,  referred  to  often, 
and  handed  over  by  the  agent  for  the  use  of  his  successor.  It  will 
also  be  well  for  you  to  have  a  map  of  the  State. 

It  is  usual  to  form  one  branch  society  in  each  town  or  precinct  in 
the  county  (except  the  one  containing  the  County  Depository)  al- 
though in  some  instances  for  good  reasons  the  boundaries  are  other- 
wise. We  do  not  always  organize  a  society  wherever  there  is  a  vil- 
lage or  a  Church,  for  sometimes  several  villages  or  Churches  should 
be  embraced  in  one,  but  we  form  them  wherever  tliere  is  settled  ter- 
ritory sufficient.  At  the  county  seat  or  head  quarters  of  the  county 
society,  it  is  not  customary  to  form  a  branch  as  tlie  existence  of  the 
county  society  and  the  county  depository  there  render  it  unneces- 
sary. Local  agents  for  the  territory  not  embraced  in  any  branch 
can  be  appointed  by  the  county  committee  or  by  yourself,  and  these 
agents  can  make  their  returns  to  the  county  treasurer,  and  have 
their  accounts  on  his  book.  The  summary  of  the  transcribing  book 
used  here,  although  the  book  may  be  labelled  "  County  Society," 
should  only  embrace  what  is  not  included  in  the  branch  summaries, 
the  aggregate  county  summary  being  made  out  on  a  separate  paper. 

The  agent  should  ascertain  from  those  acquainted  iu  the  county 
where  branches  should  be  organized — what  territory  they  should 
embrace,  and  to  whom  he  can  send  appointments  for  meetings  to 
form  them.  Sometimes,  however,  it  will  be  best  to  spend  a  Sabbath 
in  the  place  without  any  previous  appointment  and  organize  the  soci- 
ety at  some  stated  meeting,  with  the  assistance  of  the  officiating 
minister. 

When  societies  are  formed  the  order  of  exercises  should  generally 


11 

be  as  follows  :  1st.  The  address,  in  which  the  nature,  objects  and 
importance  of  the  organization  should  be  clearly  stated.  2nd.  The 
appointment  of  a  chairman  and  a  secretary  for  the  occasion.  3d. 
The  proposal  (by  the  agent)  and  the  passage  by  the  congregation, 
of  a  resolution  to  form  a  society.  4th.  The  proposal  (by  the  agent) 
and  the  adoption  by  the  congregation,  of  one  of  our  printed  consti- 
tutions properly  filled  out.  oth.  The  election  of  officers.  Gth.  Tak- 
ing subscriptions.  7th.  Finding  the  place  of  the  first  meeting, 
8th.  Introducing  the  plan  of  quarterly  meetings,  and  selecting  the 
times  and  places  of  them,  if  adopted. 

The  time  of  the  annual  meeting  is  left  by  the  Constitution  to  the 
officers  or  traveling  agent^  as  it  is  important  that  he  be  at  liberty  to 
arrange  his  programme  so  as  to  attend  all  in  his  field,  but  the  place 
is  selected  that  the  agent  for  the  next  year  may  know  where  to  call 
it,  even  if  he  is  unacquainted  in  the  county. 

Where  there  is  likely  to  be  a  good  congregation  at  meetings  to 
organize,  or  at  annual  meetings,  and  especially  where  these  occur 
on  the  Sabbath  the  nomination  of  officers  had  better  be  made  before 
hand,  both  in  order  not  to  detain  the  congregation,  and  because  two 
or  three  individuals,  with  time  to  consider,  and  knowing  what  is 
wanted,  can  make  a  better  selection  than  a  house  full  would  be  like- 
ly to  do  on  the  "  spur  of  the  moment."  The  nomination  will,  of 
course,  be  submitted  to  the  congregation  for  their  approval  or  re- 
jection, and  such  changes  made  as  are  deemed  necessary. 

Where  the  agent  is  to  attend  two  or  three  meetings  in  a  town  on 
the  same  day  he  had  better  attempt  to  organize  at  the  first  appoint- 
ment. If  he  fails  here  (which  will  seldom  be  the  case)  he  will  have 
his  other  meetings  in  reserve  where  he  can  make  like  attempts.  If 
he  does  not  fail  he  can  make  known  to  those  composing  his  congre- 
gations in  the  after  part  of  the  day  what  has  been  done — read  to 
them  the  Constitution — list  of  officers,  &c.,  and  invite  them  to  be- 
come members  of  the  society. 

At  meetings  to  organize — at  annual  meetings,  and  at  all  other 
Bible  meetings  subscriptions  should  be  taken  on  slips  of  paper,  and 
afterwards  transferred  to  the  subscription  books  where  they  belong. 
You  will  need  the  assistance  of  individuals  acquainted  in  the  town 
in  determining  where  to  place  them.  But  you  should  generally 
avoid  having  public  collections  taken,  and  should  insist  upon  having 
every  contributor's  name  written  whether  he  pays  down  or  not. — 
Public  collections  seldom  amount  to  much,  and  they  prevent  individ- 
uals giving  respectable  sums  as  they  would  if  they  subscribed. 

Should  all  attempts  to  organize  in  a  town  or  precinct  prove  abor- 
tive, and  the  agent  still  be  satisfied  that  a  society  is  needed  there, 
he  can  appoint  a  treasurer  and  local  agents  himself,  and  proceed 
much  as  if  an  organization  had  been  eft'ected.  Or  if  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  treasurer  and  depositary  is  not  advisable,  he  can  secure 
local  agents  and  direct  them  to  make  their  returns  to  the  county 
treasurer,  or  connect  them  with  a  neighboring  branch. 

When  a  society  is  formed,  the  way  is  prepared  for  the  commence- 
ment of  operations.  But  the  agent  must  not  suppose  that  his  work 
is  now  done.  The  plan  of  forming  societies,  and  then  leaving  them 
alone  to  do  the  work  devolved  upon  them  by  their  Constitutions,  is 
the  grand  reason  why  so  many  of  them  have  ceased  to  exist,     Th« 


12 

trareling  a^ent  must  do  the  work  through  these  societies,  with  such 
assistance  as  he  can  get  from  local  agents.  And  yet  he  should  im- 
press upon  these  local  agents  that  the  work  is  their' s,  as  it  certainly 
is,  and  that  he  is  merely  helping  them.  Instead  of  asking  thbui  to 
visit  with  him  through  their  respective  districts,  he  should  offer  to 
confer  a  favor  by  going  with  them.  Whether  this  favor  is  desired 
or  not,  nothing  but  a  lack  of  time  should  prevent  his  canvassing  the 
district,  either  with  the  local  agent  or  alone.  He  will  generally 
succeed  better  even  alone  than  would  the  local  agent  alone,  but  will 
accomplish  much  more  if  said  agent  is  with  him,  and  hence  should 
secure  his  services  if  possible.  To  this  end  you  will  find  it  of  ad- 
vantage to  spend  the  night  or  dine  with  the  agent,  whose  assistance 
you  wish  the  next  morning  or  afternoon,  rather  than  the  one  with 
Avhom  you  have  been  laboring.  If  you  wait  to  enjoy  the  hospitality 
of  the  latter,  the  former  may  have  left  home  before  your  ?irrival,  or 
made  arrangements  which  will  prevent  his  accompanying  you.  Even 
if  he  has  not  you  will  have  less  opportunity  to  interest  him  in  the 
cause  before  starting  out,  by  documents  and  conversation  than 
otherwise. 

When  an  agent  appointed  at  the  meeting  declines  acting,  the 
traveling  agent  should  appoint  a  substitute.  It  is  sometimes  diffi- 
cult to  secure  a  local  agent,  but  the  traveling  agent  must  persevere 
until  he  succeeds.  If  he  cannot  find  a  man  who  will  accept,  he 
must  appoint  a  woman.  If  he  can  find  no  one  in  the  district  for  the 
office,  he  must  seek  one  out  of  it,  as  no  district  should  be  left 
unprovided  for.  It  is. occasionally  necessary,  however,  to  unite  two 
adjoining  school  districts,  appointing  one  agent  for  both,  and  indi- 
cating it  on  the  transcribing  book. 

In  some  instances,  the  agent  appointed  at  the  meeting  is  not 
found  at  home.  In  such  a  case,  either  a  substitute  should  be  ap- 
pointed ;  or,  if  this  is  not  best,  and  there  is  no  doubt  of  the  accept- 
ance of  the  office  by  the  one  nominated,  the  traveling  agent  should 
perform  as  much  of  the  work  as  time  will  allow,  and  thenleave  the 
subscription  book  and  blank  for  report  at  his  house,  with  a  letter 
informing  him  of  his  appointment,  and  the  duties  devolving  upon 
him.  It  is  better,  however,  to  secure  a  substitute,  as  agents  sel- 
dom accomplish  much  unless  we  can  have  a  personal  interview  with 
them,  get  their  consent  to  act,  and  instruct  them  with  regard  to 
their  duties. 

By  the  word  "  district,"  is  meant  a  school  district,  unless  otherwise 
specified.  In  cities  and  large  villages,  however,  a  school  district 
would  be  too  large  for  a  field,  and  the  division  should  be  by  streets, 
and  in  rare  cases  in  the  country,  two  school  districts  should  be 
united,  or  the  division  should  be  made  by  other  boundary  lines. — 
These  districts  should  all  be  named  or  designated,  either  by  their 
boundaries,  their  numbers,  or  some  prominent  individual  or  object 
within  their  bounds,  and  their  designations  should  appear  at  the  top 
of  the  tr  inscribing  book  allotted  to  these  districts.  The  names  of 
the  districts  should  be  the  same  from  year  to  year,  unless  there  are 
important  reasons  for  altering  them,  and  when  two  are  united  for 
our  purposes,  the  names  of  both  should  appear  at  the  top  of  the  page. 

It  often  happens  that  districts  are  overlooked  at  the  meetings, 
which  should  be  provided  for  by  the  agent.     To  this  end,  he  shoald 


13 

consult  his  map,  and  make  diligent  inquiries,  that  no  part  of  the 
territory  be  neglected.  This  is  a  very  important  matter.  Too 
many  agents  seldom  look  at  their  maps,  and  hence  leave  part  of  the 
territory  for  years  without  any  provision  for  its  visitation.  Where 
a  school  district  is  in  two  towns,  the  whole  of  it  should  be  connected 
with  one  society — generally  the  one  in  the  town  containing  the 
school  house,  or  the  larger  share  of  the  families. 

In  passing  through  a  district,  the    county  and  local  agents  will 
find  several  items  on  their  hands,  as  follows  : 

1st.  Obtaining  new  Subscriptions. — For  although  funds  may  be 
raised  at  public  meetings,  the  agent  should  not  rely  upon  these 
alone.     Many  will  subscribe  to  the  Bible    cause  if  called   upon  at 
their  homes,  who  are  not  seen  by  you  in  public  ;  and  these  pledges 
are  frequently  more   liberal  than   those  made   in  church.     As  wo 
avail  ourselves  of  this  method  of  raising  funds,  we  need  not  fail  in 
our  efforts,  even  if  there  is  no  opportunity  of  presenting  the  cause 
in  public.    The  subscriptions  obtained  should  be  as  large  as  possible, 
especially  those  first  on  the  book,  and  the  list  should  not  be  suffered 
to  dwindle  down  to   pittances,  if  it  can  with  propriety  be  avoided. 
You  will  find  that  to  have  a  list  of  liberal   subscriptions,   previously 
obtained  in   the  vicinity,  to    exhibit,   will  aid   materially,  or  if  you 
have   no   such  list,   the   individual  donations  acknowledged  in  the 
Bible  Society  Eecord  can  be  presented  as   examples.     The  fact  that 
our  subscriptions  are  payable  annually,  and  that  our  income  in  suc- 
ceeding years,  as  well  as  the  present,  will  depend  upon  the  size  of 
the  subscriptions,  enhances  the  importance  of  your  raising  them  to 
the  highest   practicable  amount.     In   soliciting  subscriptions,  care 
should  be  taken  not  to  overlook  any   person.     We  want  to  have  all 
become   members  of  the  Society,  and  should  invite  wives  as  well  as 
husbands — children  as  well  as  parents,    and  employes  as   well  as 
employers.     In  this  way,  we  may  obtain   several  subscribers  in  the 
same  family,  and  benefit  the  subscribers  as  well  the  cause.     In  most 
of  the  Societies,  the  Constitutions  provide  that  subscribers  of  $1  or 
upwards,  shall  be  entitled  to  a   common  Bible  or  its  value  in  Testa- 
ments,   to   distribute   for   every    dollar    contributed.      With    this 
proviso,   properly   presented,    you   can    induce    many     individuals 
to  increase  the  size  of  their  subscriptions,  or  make  larger  new  ones 
than  they  would  otherwise  do.     But  you  should  guard  against  lim- 
iting  the    subscription   to  $1,  and   should  esplain  the  importance 
and   advantages   of  giving  $2,  or  $3,    or  $5,  or    still   larger  sums, 
annually.     Subscriptions,  to   constitute  life   members,  need  not  be 
transient,  more  than  others,  and  an   individual  making  an  annual 
subscription  of  $5   can   constitute  some  member  of  his   family  or 
other  friend  a  life  member  as  often  as  he  pays  it.     The  agent  should 
manage  to  have  as  many  as  possible  of  the   subscriptions  paid  at 
the   time   they   are  given.     Many   of  those  taken  on  time  are  not 
'  paid  at  all,  and   others   only  after  a  long  period,  and  after  repeated 
efforts  to  collect.     The  fact  that  but  few  of  the  local   agents  Avill  do 
their  whole    duty,  and  that  many   of  the   subscriptions   have  to  be 
collected  by    the  traveling  agent,    enhances  the   importance  of  this 
suggestion.     We  judge   of  an  agent's    success  not  so  much  by  the 
subscriptions  which  he  obtains  as  by  the  cash  which   he    collects. 
Most  of  our  subscriptions  are  now  taken  payable  annually,  which 


14 

are  preferable  to  transient  ones  for  reasons  stated  in  another  part  of 
this  pamphlet.  But  there  is  need  of  being  very  explicit  in  our 
explanations  of  the  nature  of  these  subscriptions,  or  else  when 
subsequent  installments  are  called  for,  there  will  be  a  plea  of  mis- 
understanding and  expressions  of  dissatisfaction.  New  agents  do 
not  generally  realize  the  importance  of  this  explicitness  until  they 
attempt  to  collect,  when  they  find  cause  to  blame  themselves  or 
their  predecessors  for  not  exercising  more  care.  We  have  had  a 
great  deal  of  trouble  in  consequence  of  agents  writing  subscriptions 
as  annual  which  were  not  understood  by  subscribers  to  be  such,  and 
must  guard  this  point  sedulously  hereafter.  It  is  not  enough 
to  say  that  subscriptions  will  be  considered  and  copied  as  annual 
unless  otherwise  designated,  but  we  must  explain  what  is  meant  by 
"  annual,"  and  have  it  fully  understood  that  the  amount  of  the 
subscription  will  be  called  for  every  year  until  withdrawn  or  altered. 
Where  subscriptions  are  taken  by  private  application,  the  explana- 
tions and  pledge  should  either  be  read  by  or  to  each  subscriber,  or 
the  agent  should  state  clearly  the  nature  of  these  subscriptions. — 
Where  they  are  taken  in  public  congregations  on  slips  of  paper, 
to  be  transferred  to  the  books  afterwards,  the  agent  should  always 
take  time  at  the  close  of  his  address,  to  read  the  pledge  to  which 
names  are  to  be  attached,  and  make  the  necessary  explanations. 
After  explaining  the  nature  and  advantages  of  annual  subscriptions, 
and  urging  all  to  make  such  instead  of  transient  ones,  it  is  well  to 
state  that  all  will  be  considered  as  annual  unless  otherwise  designa- 
ted— thus  making  annual  subscriptions  the  rule,  and  leaving  sub- 
scribers to  make  theirs  exceptions,  if  they  wish,  and  will  so  desig- 
nate them. 

Another  kind  of  subscriptions  are  those  payable  quarterly — that 
is.  not  dividing  the  amount  into  quarters,  but  paj-ing  the  full  amount 
four  times  each  year.  We  sometimes  solicit  such,  because  some 
persons  will  give  much  more  in  this  way  than  if  they  paid  but  once 
a  year.  Indeed  some  will  pay  as  much  once  a  quarter,  if  asked  thus 
often,  as  they  would  in  a  whole  year,  if  applied  to  but  once  during 
that  time.  Our  subscription  books  can  be  prepared  for  registering 
the  payments  on  such  subscriptions,  by  simply  dividing  the  space 
designed  for  annual  payments  into  four  parts,  and  entering  the 
quarterly  payments  separately  in  each  quarter  of  the  space.  Where 
we  take  quarterly  subscriptions,  it  will  be  important  to  explain  that 
they  are  not  to  be  divided  by  four  and  one  fourth  part  paid  quarter- 
ly, but  that  t\\G  full  amount  is  due  every  three  months. 

In  our  subscription  and  transcribing  books,  we  use  the  words 
"transient"  and  "optional"  as  synonymous,  and  write  either  as  may 
seem  best.  Many  of  our  transient  subscribers  will  pay  almost 
erery  year  if  called  on,  (though  it  is  optional  with  tliem  to  do  so  or 
not,)  and  perhaps  will  be  a  little  morij  likely  to  pay  if  the  word 
"  optional"  instead  of  "  transient"  is  written  opposite  their  names. 
It  will  especially  bo  best  to  write  "  optional"  where  there  is  any 
doubt  whether  the  subscription  was  designed  to  be  annual  or  tran- 
sient. 

2.  The  Collection  of  Installments  due  on  previous  Sub- 
scriptions.— At  the  time  of  the  first  effort  after  the  organization  of 
a  Society,  there  will  of  course  be  nothing  of  this  kind  on  your  hands, 


15 

(unless  there  are  annual  subscriptions  within  its  bounds  which  pre- 
viously belonged  to  another  Society,)  but  in  succeeding  years  this 
will  constitute  an  important  item  of  the  work.  A  traveling  Agent 
who  is  acquainted  with  the  business  and  possesses  the  requisite 
tact,  will  succeed  much  better  in  collecting  back  installments  than 
will  a  local  one,  and  hence  should  perform  as  much  of  this  work  us 
possible.  In  doing  so,  much  prudence  and  skill  will  be  requisite, 
especially  in  cases  where  persons  are  not  disposed  to  acknowledge 
their  subscriptions  as  annual  or  quarterly.  Where  there  is  a  prob- 
ability that  the  old  one  will  be  repudiated,  it  will  bo  best  to  ask  for 
anew  subscription  at  first,  and  have  its  nature  fully  understood  and 
recorded.  If  you  obtain  it,  the  old  one  can  be  crossed  out,  after 
what  was  due  on  it  previous  to  the  present  year  has  been  paid.  If 
you  fail  to  secure  a  new  one,  then  you  can  refer  to  the  old  one  and 
make  the  most  you  can  out  of  it.  Many  persons  who  profess  not  to 
have  understood  their  subscriptions  as  annual,  can  by  a  little  reason- 
ing be  induced  to  let  them  stand  as  such  now,  and  pay  their  back 
installments.  It  will  be  our  duty  to  try  to  persuade  them  to  do  this, 
and  others  to  change  theirs  from  transient  to  annual  wherever  we 
can.  But  it  is  important  to  leave  every  one  good  natured — to  avoid 
the  impressioji  that  we  are  endeavoring  to  bind  them  against  their 
wills,  and  hence  if  they  insist,  we  allow  them  to  change  their  sub- 
scriptions to  transient  or  optional,  or  mark  them  withdrawn. 

Where  a  person  has  been  paying  his  subscription  for  several  years, 
and  there  is  no  doubt  about  his  understanding  it  as  annual,  then  we  ask 
him  for  whatever  may  be  due  on  it,  instead  of  inviting  him  to  subscribe 
anew.  The  amount  due  on  an  annual  or  quarterly  subscri^jtion^at  any  •• 
time,  can  be  ascertained  by  looking  at  the  date  of  it,  calculat/THe  amount  ^  ■* '-' 
which  has  since  fallen  due,  and  subtracting  therefrom  the  sum  of  the  / 
payments  ;  the  balance  will  be  the  amount  now  to  be  collected,  and  the  ■'' 
[)lan  of  ascertaining  it  should  be  explained  to  the  subscriber  by  an  exhi- 
bition of  the  pledge  with  the  date  and  payments.  Some  times  it  will  be 
the  amount  for  several  quarters  or  years,  as  persons  may  have  neglected 
to  pay  their  installments  when  they  became  due.  Herein  is  one  of  the 
advantages  of  such  subscriptions,  viz :  that  if  payments  are  not  made  on 
them  at  the  proper  time,  they  do  not  prevent  the  recurrence  of  other  dues  at 
stated  periods,  and  we  can  subsequently  call  for  several  of  these  at  once. 
We  can  thus  frequently  collect  twice  or  thrice  as  much  in  a  given  time,  as 
we  could  without  such  pledges.  Still  it  is  better  that  the  installments  be 
collected  regularly  and  promptly,  for  if  a  subscriber  Mis  far  behind,  he 
is  apt  to  become  discouraged  in  view  of  the  amount  due,  and  either  re- 
pudiate the  whole,  or  pay  up  and  withdraw.  Where  we  cannot  prevent 
withdrawals,  we  nuist  explain  that  the  back  installments,  including  the 
one  for  the  present  year,  should  be  paid  before  writing  "  witlidrawn." 
By  the  conditions  of  the  pledge,  an  installment  becomes  due  at  the  time 
of  subscribing,  and  annually  thereafter,  or  immediately  after  each  annual 
meeting.  Hence,  if  a  subscriber  does  not  withdraw  before  the  close  of 
the  year,  another  installment  should  be  paid  at  the  commencement  of  the 
next. 

It  is  of  great  importance  that  these  annual  dues  should  be  collected 
early  in  each  year,  and  we  should  explain  to  subscribers  and  local  agents 
that  they  are  due  immediately  after  each  annual  meeting,  and  to  be  collect- 
ed as  soon  after  as  possible,  and  not  that  they  have  the  whole  year  to  make 


16 

their  payments  and  collections  in.  If  these  are  delayed,  tliey  not  only 
postpone  the  supply  of  the  destitute  with  the  Scriptures,  but  interfere 
with  the  next  year's  operations,  and,  as  removals  and  deaths  are  so  fre- 
quent, many  of  these  pledgefwill  1)L'  worthless  unless  they  arc  collected 
promptly. 

Where  payments  are  made  for  several  years  or  quarters  at  once,  the 
amount  for  each  should  bo  entered  separately  in  the  proper  spaces  so  that 
each  year  or  quarter  may  have  the  right  credit.  Great  care  should  Ijc 
taken  to  have  all  of  the  subscriptions  dated  con-ectly,  and  all  of  the  cred- 
its entered  so  that  it  may  be  known  at  anj'-time  just  what  a  subscriber  has 
paid  from  the  commencement,  and  how  much  he  is  still  owing.  Where 
new  bocks  are  made  out  the  subscriptions  should  be  dated  lack  as  they 
are  on  the  old  ones,  and  aU  that  subscribers  have  paid  should  be  transfer- 
red either  in  items  or  the  aggregate  to  the  new.  We  want  to  keep  the 
books  so  that  they  will  show  even  twenty  or  thirty  years  hence,  just  what 
each  annual  subscriber,  who  has  not  withdrawn  or  altered  his  subscription, 
has  paid  from  the  commencement. 

In  some  places  the  subscriptions  are  all  transient,  and  to  such,  the  fore- 
going remarks  are  inapplicable.  All  that  is  necessary  with  regard  to  these 
is  to  see  that  they  are  collected  «»*  once.  They  M'ill  require  less  attention 
and  cause  less  perplexity  than  others,  but  on  the  whole,  v.-ill  result  in  a 
smaller  income  and  less  benefit  to  subscribers.  In  States  where  there  are 
frequent  changes  in  the  general  superintendency,  it  will  be  unwise  to  so- 
licit annual  or  quarterly  subscriptions,  but  where  the  same  general  agent 
can  look  after  such  subscriptions  for  a  number  of  years,  and  have  their 
nature  fully  explained  and  understood  when  taken,  he  will  find  them 
preferable  to  transient  ones. 

3d.  The  Disposal  of  Bibles  and  Testaments. — These  should 
be  introduced  at  every  house — as  many  being  sold  as  possible,  and 
given  as  necessary.  They  should  not  be  exhibited,  however,  until 
the  first  item  of  business  has  been  disposed  of.  Too  many  objects 
at  once  distract  attention  ;  and  moreover,  if  the  books  are  presented 
first,  men  will  sometimes  buy  one  or  two,  supposing"  that  they  are 
helping  the  society  in  that  way,  and  decline  subscribing.  Many  a 
man  also  is  more  benevolent  to  himself  than  to  others,  or  ia  other 
words  is  more  selfish  than  benevolent,  and  will  sooner  give  $5,00  for 
a  splendid  Bible  for  himself  than  $1,00  for  the  supply  of  his  poor 
neighbors.  It  should  be  made  known  to  purchasers  that  instead  of 
conferring  a  favor  upon  the  society  by  buying  its  books,  the  society 
is  conferring  a  favor  upon  them  by  furnishing  them  books  for  less 
than  what  the^rare  worth,  and  often  for  less  than  cost.  Great  caro 
should  be  exercised  to  ascertain  and  supply  all  of  tbe  destitute — not 
only  those  who  are  entirely  without  but  those  who  have  only  a  muti- 
lated copy  of  the  Scriptures,  and  not  only  destitute  families  with 
Bibles,  but  destitute  children  with  Testaments.  The  supply  of 
domestics  and  other  persons  not  particularly  connected  with  any 
family,  should  also  bo  looked  after.  In  ascertaining  what  families 
are  destitute  of  a  whole  or  of  any  part  of  a  Bible,  it  is  important  to 
proceed  cautiously,  so  as  not  to  wound  feelings,  and  so  as  to  avoid 
the  appearance  oi'  impertinence.  The  truth  with  regard  to  supply 
can  often  be  drawn  out  by  indirect  inquiries,  and  where  this  is  pos- 
sible, it  is  better  than  to  put  the  question  directly. 


IT 

Bonks  sknuld  ant  he  sold  mi,  rrcdit . — Mmiy  of  those  thus  dis- 
posed of  are  neTpr  paid  for,  and  others  only  with  an  expense  in  col- 
lecting, which  renders  it  unprofitable.  The  expectation  that  men 
will  hand  in  the  pay  without  being  asked  for  it,  is  generally  falla- 
cious, and  it  is  better  to  give  away  at  first  than  to  sell  on  credit,  and 
then  lose  the  debt.  The  uninformed  sometimes  become  possessed 
of  the  idea,  after  an  agent  has  left,  that  he  was  sent  out  to  give  away 
books  indiscriminately,  and  unless  they  pay  for  them  at  the  time  of 
purchasing,  refuse  to  do  so  at  all.  Besides,  the  agent  is  obliged  to 
account  for  all  the  books  which  he  receives,  either  in  cash  or  in  books 
given  and  deposited. 

Where  the  county  agent  has  time  to  visit  nearly  every  family  and 
circulate  the  books  himself,  he  will  not  leave  any  with  the  local 
agent.  Where  he  has  not,  he  will  leave  a  small  quantity  with  said 
agent— have  them  charged  to  him  on  the  treasurer's  book,  and  the 
necessary  entries  made  in  the  depository  account. 

For  further  suggestions  in  relation  to  the  circulation  of  Bibles  and 
Testaments  you  are  referred  to  the  first  two  pages  of  the  "  Distrib- 
utor's Book  " — one  of  which  should  always  be  carried  in  your  pocket 
for  the  convenience  of  making  entries.  The  necessary  entries 
in  it  should  be  made  as  you  pass  along,  and  not  on  slips  of  paper  or 
on  other  books  to  be  copied  afterwards.  For  the  distributor's  books 
have  been  prepared  with  columns  and  printed  headings,  so  as  to  ob- 
viate the  necessity  of  much  writing,  which  would  be  requisite  with- 
out them.  Even  if  considerable  space  is  needed  for  every  day's  labor, 
it  should  be  used,  as  other  books  can  be  furnished  when  wanted. 

4th.  The  "Bible  Society  Eecord"  should  be  introduced  in  every 
house,  and  as  many  subscribers  obtained  for  it  as  possible.  The 
terms  to  single  subscribers  are  25  cents  \)gv  annum,  in  advance. — 
The  object,  however,  is  not  merely  the  subscription  price,  but  the 
diffusion  of  information.  You  can  obtain  sjiecimeu  numbers  from 
the  officers  of  the  county  society.  The  names  of  subscribers,  with 
the  money,  should  be  forwarded  promptly  to  the  general  agent  at  the 
Bible  House,  N.  Y.,  with  a  request  that  he  will  discontinue  at  the 
end  of  the  year  without  farther  notice. 

oth.  One  of  the  explanatory  pamphlets  or  tracts  before  alluded  to 
should  be  placed  in  each  family.  It  is  true  that  it  would  not  be  proper 
for  Bible  agents  to  circulate  miscellaneous  tracts,  and  especially  sec- 
tarian ones;  but  those  that  have  a  bearing  upon  our  work— those  which 
explain  its  importance  and  our  plans  for  its  promotion — those  which 
recommend  the  Bible  and  inculcate  a  spirit  of  benevolence,  may  be  cii*- 
culated  with  as  much  propriety  as  "Annual  Reports,"  or  "  Bible  Society 
Records  " — especially  if  done  without  cost  to  the  Society.  By  leaving 
one  of  these  silent  messengers  to  exert  an  influence  after  we  have  gone, 
we  can,  not  only  make  our  visits  briefer,  but  if  we  have  been  unable  to 
accomplish  anything  else,  there  will  be  consolation  in  reflecting  that 
Ave  may  at  least  have  sown  seed  that  will  produce  fruit  hereafter.  Dis- 
crimination should  of  course  be  used  in  selecting  tracts  for  different 
families,  so  that  they  may  be  appropriate.  To  new  annual  subscribers 
it  will  be  well  to  give  one  of  the  pamphlets  explaining  the  nature  of  the 
subscriptions  and  the  duties  and  privileges  of  subscribers.  For  those 
who  are  skeptical,  the  tracts  in  relation  to  the  inspiration  and  authenticity 
of  the  Scriptures  will  be  appropriate.  "Where  you  leave  a  Bible  you  can 
c 


18 

also,  with  iimch  propriety,  leave  a  tract  in  relation  to  its  value  or  the  im- 
portance of  its  i)erusal.  To  Christians,  it  will  be  well  to  ijivo  the  tracts 
or  volumes  in  relation  to  beneficence,  while  the  tract  entitled  "The 
Bible  Cause,"  may  with  propriety  be  placed  in  hands  of  almost  any 
Protestant.  We  have  tracts  in  relation  to  the  Bible  and  the  Bible  Cause 
in  the  German  language,  which  shoidd  be  circulated  freely  among  the 
Germans,  though  the  latter  should  not  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  Cdtholica. 
When  the  county  agent  has  spent  as  much  time  as  is  necessary  or 
consistent  in  a  district,  he  leaves  the  subscription  book  and  blank  for 
report  with  the  local  agent,  and  gives  him  the  necessary  instructions  with 
regard  to  his  future  labors.  On  the  blank  report  he  is  to  place  the  address 
of  the  Treasurer  and  names  of  all  whom  he  expects  the  local  agent  will  visit 
— inform  him  how  he  is  to  make  it  out — when  he  is  to  send  it  to  the  treas- 
urer, when  he  is  to  call  for  the  unpaid  subscriptions,  &c.  You  will  notice 
blanks  in  the  report  to  be  filled  out  by  yourself,  stating  the  time  of  return- 
ing it.  It  is  best  that  the  time  named  should  Ijc  only  a  week  or  two  ahead, 
■AS  2)ro»iptncss  in  completing  the  work  is  important,  and  although  a  long 
time  may  be  allotted  to  the  effort,  it  will  be  likely  to  be  delayed  until  near 
the  close  of  the  period.  The  local  agent  should  understand  that  he  is  not 
to  wait  until  the  unpaid  subscriptions  are  all  collected  before  reporting, 
but  that  he  is  to  forward  his  report  as  soon  as  all  of  the  liimilics  in  his 
district  have  been  once  visited,  and  send  in  the  subscription  money  after- 
wards, when  it  is  collected.  He  should  also  be  requested  to  collect  the 
unpaid  subscriptions  jyi'oniptli/  T'hey  are  due  as  soon  as  given,  or  im- 
mediately after  each  annual  meeting ;  and  if  their  jiayment  is  deferred 
until  near  the  close  of  the  j^car,  they  interfere  with  the  operations  of  the 
next,  andthe  supply  of  the  destitute  with  the  Scriptures  is  also  delayed. 

It  will  not  answer  for  you  to  leave  the  subscription  book  and  blank 
for  report  with  some  one  else  to  send  to  the  local  agent,  as  in  this 
case  they  may  never  reach  him.  Besides,  it  is  important  that  you 
see  him  personally,  and  give  him  such  verbal  instructions  and  ex- 
planations as  may  be  necessary.  Hence,  an  additional  reason  for 
having  him  with  you  in  your  visits,  for  in  this  case  when  you  are  ready 
to  pass  on  to  another  district,  you  can  place  the  papers  in  his  hcinds 
without  the  necessity  of  going  back  to  his  house.  Moreover,  if  he 
has  accompanied  you  and  learned  your  method  of  procedure,  he  will  be 
better  prepared  to  discharge  the  remaining  duties  devolving  upon  him. 

Before  leaving  him,  you  place  upon  your  transcribing  book  his 
name  and  post  office,  and  copy  into  it  the  subscriptions  on  his  book, 
with  the  payments.  The  name  of  the  agent  should  be  written  with 
a  pencil,  so  that  when  there  is  a  change,  it  can  give  place  to  another. 
The  given  name  should  appear  in  all  cases  ;  and  if  the  agent  is  a 
lady,  'Mrs.'  or  ']\riss'  should  be  placed  before  it.  lire  svhscriptions,  both  on 
the  transcribing  and  subscription  books,  siiould  be  written  with  a^jcn,  and 
hence  a  pen  and  pocket  inkstand  should  ahatyshe  carried  with  you. 

After  having  passed  through  all  of  the  districts  in  the  way  sug- 
gested, and  after  having  furnished  the  secretary  with  the  Constitu- 
tion, minutes  of  the  meeting  for  organizing,  and  blank  book  in 
which  to  copy  them,  your  last  business  before  leaving  the  society 
will  be  to  call  on  the  treasurer,  furnish  him  with  a  blank  book  and 
assist  him  in  opening  the  necessary  accounts.  In  the  fore  part  of 
this  book  you  will  paste  a  Constitution  and  card  of  suggestions  to 
treasurers,  and  stitch  a  '•  specimen  of  accounts."  The  blank  books 
usually  purchased  for  the  secretaries  and  treasurers  of  these  socie- 


19 

ties  are  of  the  qimrto  form,  and  cost  from  15  to  25  cents  each.  The 
agent  should  be  careful  to  keep  himself  supplied  with  these, 
and  if  he  purchases  by  the  quantity,  he  can  obtain  them  cheaper 
than  otherwise.  It  is  better  that  those  designed  for  treasurers 
should  he  cross-ruled  for  dates,  dollars  and  cents,  and  that  the  sec- 
retary's books  should  be  without  these  cross-rules. 

In  addition  to  an  account  book,  the  agent  furnishes  the  treasurer 
with  a  depository  sign,  and  sees  that  it  is  nailed  up  in  some  con- 
spicuous place  before  he  leaves.     The  general  agent  pi-ocures  signs 

liy  the    quantity,   and    sells  them  to   the  county  agents  at   cost. 

The  county  agent  advances  from  his  own  money  the  cost  of  the 
signs  and  blank  books  which  is  refunded  i)y  the  branch  societies, 
and  thus  not  brought  into  his  account  with  the  county  society. 

The  first  account  which  you  assist  the  treasurer  of  the  branch 
society  in  opening,  is  for  the  books  which  you  leave  with  him — 
varying  in  amount  from  $5  to  $20,  according  to  the  supply  on  hand, 
and  the  probable  number  needed  where  deposited.  These  are  of 
course  marked  and  charged  to  him,  and  those  which  go  out  of  his 
hands  are  credited  on  the  opposite  page.  If  in  addition  to  those 
deposited  with  the  treasurers,  you  leave  books  with  the  local  agents 
fi'om  your  own  stock,  they  are  charged  and  credited  in  the  deposit- 
ary's account,  just  as  if  they  passed  through  his  hands.  The  books 
which  he  sells  need  not  be  credited  at  the  time,  or  by  items,  unless 
lie  prefers,  as  the  sales  can  be  ascertained  at  the  end  of  the  year, 
or  whenever  an  inventory  is  taken,  by  subtracting  the  amount 
of  the  books  otherwise  disposed  of  and  those  on  hand  from  the 
amount  received.  Neither  the  books  which  you  sell  and  give  to 
individuals,  or  the  monej^  received  for  what  )m:)u  sell,  goes  into  the 
book  and  cash  account  of  the  branch  treasurer,  as  you  circulate  these 
books  for  the  County  society,  and  account  for  them  and  the  cash  for 
those  sold  to  the  treasurer  of  that  society.  It  is  not  best  to  leave 
many  costly  books  with  treasurers,  and  especially  not  with  local 
agents,  as  we  can  not  afford  the  capital,  and  they  are  liable  to  injury. 
The  prices  of  books  left  with  Treasurers  or  Agents  should  always  be 
marked  in  them,  to  correspond  with  tliose  in  the  County  Depository. 

The  next  is  the  treasurer's  account.  Here  on  the  Dr.  side,  what- 
ever you  have  collected  on  subcriptions  is  charged  to  the  treasurer, 
whether  it  passes  through  his  hands  or  not.  On  the  opposite  page  he 
is  credited  with  whatever  you  have  advanced  for  the  sign  and  blank 
books,  and  you  take  the  amount  out  of  the  Bible  Society's  purse  and 
put  it  into  your  own,  to  replace  what  you  have  advanced  for  them. 
He  is  then  credited  Avith  the  balance  which  you  have  collected, 
(together  with  what  he  pays  you,  if  any,)  as  paid  to  the  county  soci- 
ety, for  which  you  give  him  your  receipt  and  charge  the  amount  in 
your  account. 

Next  follow  accounts  with  the  local  agents.  Accounts  should  be 
opened  with  all  of  them  before  you  leave  the  Treasurer,  whether 
any  entries  are  to  be  made  in  them  at  that  time  or  not,  as  it  is  i-ery 
important  that  he  should  know  who  these  agents  are. 

If  you  have  left  any  books  with  them,  or  if  they  obtain  any  from 
the  Treasurer,  they  should  of  course  be  charged  with  the  amount. 
They  should  also  be  charged  from  time  to  time  with  what  they  re- 
port as  having  collected  as  donations.     On  the  opposite  side,  they 


20 

should  be  credited  iu  separate  items,  with  what  they  pay  on  dona- 
tion account — what  they  pay  for  books  sold,  with  tlie  books  given 
and  with  those  returned.  The  tras-eling  agent  sliould  see  that  thesn 
local  agents' accounts  are  balanced  every  year,  and  if  necessary, 
should  obtain  information,  money  or  books  from  them  to  enable  him 
to  do  it,  as  otherwise  tbe  society  may  suffer  loss.  Hence  it  will  be 
well  for  him  to  have  the  Treasurer's  book  with  him  as  he  passes 
through  a  society  after  its  annual  meeting.  If  a  local  agent  has 
made  use  of  Bible  Society  money  which  he  cannot  refund,  his  ac- 
count should  be  balanced  by  a  note  drawing  interest,  which  should  be 
left  with  the  bi'anch  Treasurer.  The  same  remarks  apply  to  delin- 
quent Treasurers,  except  that  their  notes  should  be  left  with  the 
County  Treasurer.  In  either  case,  a  memorandum  of  the  matter 
should  be  made  on  the  transcribing  book,  and  reported  to  the  general 
agent,  with  name  and  P.  0.  of  the  debtor. 

The  accounts  between  the  traveling  agent  and  County  Society 
will,  of  course,  not  appear  in  the  branch  society  books,  but  the 
necessary  entries  in  them  should  be  made  before  leaving  each  branch. 
In  your  County  Summary,  you  will  find  blanks  prepared  both  for 
your  book  and  cash  accounts  with  the  County  Society.  In  the 
former,  you  will  charge  the  books  which  you  receive,  and  credit 
those  which  you  dispose  of  and  return.  Those  left  with  local  agents 
of  branches,  as  well  as  those  deposited  with  the  Treasurer,  should 
be  credited  as  delivered  to  the  Society.  In  your  cash  account,  you 
will  charge  yourself  with  what  you  receive  from  the  Society,  (ex- 
cept what  is  paid  you  for  blank  books  and  sign,)  including  that 
collected  by  you  from  subscribers  and  local  agents,  as  well  as  that 
paid  you  by  the  Treasui'er.  At  the  close  of  your  labors  in  the 
County,  you  will  also  charge  yourself  with  the  cash  for  books  sold 
by  yourself.  You  will  credit  yourself,  from  time  to  time,  as  you 
may  make  payments  to  the  County  Treasurer,  and,  when  (  you  have 
Unishedthe  effort  in  a  County,)  with  the  amount  of  your  services  and 
expenses.  You  will  find  it  important  to  complete  the  summary  of 
your  transcribing  book  before  leaving  the  branch  Treasurer,  as  you 
will  need  items  from  his  book  for  this  purpose. 

At  the  close  of  your  labors  in  a  County,  you  have  a  final  settle- 
ment with  the  County  Treasurer,  when  your  accounts,  previously 
commenced  on  his  book,  as  well  as  those  in  your  own,  should  be 
completed  and  balanced.  The  Treasurer  then  charges  the  branch 
Societies  with  the  books  which  you  have  delivered  to  them,  and 
credits  them  Avith  the  money  which  you  have  received  from  them. 

The  County  Treasurer  should  charge  himself  with  the  whole 
amount  received  by  the  Agent,  including  that  retained  for  services 
and  expenses,  and  credit  himself  witli  the  amount  retained  as  paid 
to  3'ou,  thus  showing  the  entire  transaction. 

The  entries,  both  on  tlie  County  and  branch  Society  books,  should 
generally  be  made  by  the  Treasurers  rather  than  by  the  agent,  but 
you  should  see  that  they  are  made  correctly  and  at  the  time,  instead 
of  leaving  memoranila  for  them  to  transfer  to  their  books  afterwards. 
For  further  information  in  relation  to  accounts,  you  are  referred  to 
tlie  specimens  bound  hennvitli,  or  those  furnished  to  Treasurers. 

The  transeriliing  book  slioiild  be  nuide  out  at  intervals  as  yon 
progress  in  your    work,  and    (inisbed  liefore  you    leave    the  Society. 


21    ^ 

It  is  bad  policy  to  delay  it  until  afterwards,  and  then  endeavor  to 
make  it  out  from  imperfect  memoranda.  As  soon  as  may  be  after 
it  is  finished,  an  abbreviated  book  should  be  made,  containing  all 
that  is  in  the  full  one,  except  the  mames  of  subscribers  and  their 
payments.  One  of  these  should  then  be  sent  to  the  Agent  of  the 
Parent  Society  with  a  letter  in  relation  to  your  labors,  He  will  thus 
know  how  you  are  succeeding,  and  can  give  advice  and  aid  you  by 
correspondence  as  he  could  not  do  without  examining  the  books.  By 
having  them,  he  will  also  be  in  possession  of  the  names  and  post 
offices  of  the  officers  and  local  agents — can  send  circulars  to  them 
in  relation  to  various  matters,  if  he  chooses,  and  can  call  on  them 
to  remind  them  of  their  duties,  as  he  passes  from  place  to  place. 

When  County  Agents  first  commence  their  labors,  and  until  they 
become  accustomed  to  making  out  the  transcribing  books,  it  is 
usual  to  send  the  full  ones  to  the  general  agent,  so  that  any  errors 
in  them  may  be  pointed  out.  But  afterwards  they  keep  the  full 
ones  and  forward  the  others.  In  case  the  full  book  should  at  any 
time  be  lost,  the  abbreviated  one  would  be  important  as  a  substitute, 
and  hence  another  reason  for  making  it.  When  a  county  agent 
ceases  to  labor  in  the  cause,  he  of  course  delivers  all  transcribing 
books  and  other  papers  to  the  general  Agent,  to  be  placed  by  him 
in  the  hands  of  his  successor. 

ANNUAL  .MEETINGS  OF  BRANCHES. 

The  foregoing  remarks  refer  more  particularly  to  the  first  efTurts  in 
connection  with  the  formation  of  branch  societies.  Some  of  those 
which  follow  will  have  more  reference  to  succeeding  efforts  in  connec- 
tion with  their  annual  meetings,  though  the  work  in  both  cases  is 
similar. 

At  the  time  of  the  first  canvass  of  a  county  on  the  plan  delineated 
upon  these  pages,  it  is  designed  that  the  traveling  agent  shall  spend 
time  enough  to  visit  every  family  and  do  the  work  thoroughly.  In 
succeeding  years  when  the  effort  is  made  in  connection  witli  the  an- 
nual meetings,  and  these  meetings  are  held  in  accordance  with  a 
plan  previously  made  out,  the  time  is  limited  by  the  progranmie. — 
Less  time  is  devoted  to  a  county  for  these  succeeding  efforts  than 
was  devoted  to  the  first  one,  and  yet  it  is  designed  to  allow  en(nigii 
to  enable  the  county  agent  to  call  upon  most  of^uhscrihers,  and 
many  other  individuals  in  company  with  the  local  agents,  heaving  as 
finv  as  possible  to  be  visited  by  them  alone. 

Where  societies  have  been  already  organized  the  first  business  of 
the  county  agent  will  be  to  make  out  a  programme  for  his  meetings, 
or  receive  one  from  the  general  agent  and  send  out  his  notices. 
Sometimes  additional  societies  should  be  formed,  which  should  be 
provided  for  in  the  programme.  The  constitutions  authorize  the 
agents  to  call  the  annual  meetings  of  the  branch  societies  at  any 
time,  but  notwithstanding  tkis  license,  they  should  be  held,  if  prac- 
ticable, about  a  year  from  the  time  of  the  previous  ones.  The  meet- 
ings should  usually  be  called  from  three  to  seven  days  apart — the 
time  after  each  depending  upon  the  size  and  importance  of  the  so- 
ciety, so  as  to  give  the  agent  time  enough  between  these  meetings 
to  perform  the  necessary  work.  The  county  agent  notifies  them  by 
sending  a  circular  of  one  kind  to  each  local  agent,   and  nf  another 


22 

kind  to  each  of  the  other  officers.  They  are  filled  out  durmg  eve- 
nings and  other  leisure  moments — forwarded  unsealed,  and  prepaid, 
(one  cent  each,)  and  the  expense  charged  to  the  county  society. 
The  object  of  sending  tliem  to  the  local  agents  is  not  only  to  give 
notice  of  the  meetings  but  to  request  them  to  finish  collecting,  and 
send  their  money  and  subscription  books  to  the  treasurer,  As  it 
will  take  sometime  for  these  circulars  to  lie  transmitted,  especially 
to  out-of-the-way  othces,  as  they  may  lie  in  the  offices  some  time 
after  arriving,  and  as  the  agents  need  some  time  to  perform  their 
work  and  make  their  returns,  we  usually  mail  them  three  or  four 
weeks  before  the  meetings  occur. 

Although  the  notices  in  the  circulars  to  main  officers  are  the  same 
as  those  in  the  ones  sent  to  local  agents,  yet  the  reading  below  is 
different,  and  hence  care  should  be  taken  not  to  confound  the  two, 
and  send  to  individuals  the  wrong  kinds.  The  one  directed  to  th« 
treasurer  should  contain  a  blank  for  his  report.  In  filling  out  the 
notices,  the  programme  and  transcribing  books  should  be  before  you, 
the  former  for  the  purpos(?  of  ascertaining  the  times,  and  the  latter 
the  places  of  the  meetings. 

In  addition  to  notifying  the  meetings  by  circulars  it  may  be  well 
for  you  to  publish  them  together,  and  in  as  brief  a  space  as  possible 
in  the  county  papers.  An  article  in  these  papers  from  yourself  or 
some  one  of  the  committee  in  relation  to  these  meetings  and  your 
operations  may  be  of  use  to  yourself  and  the  cause.  The  same  re- 
marks apply  to  semi-annual  and  quarterly  meetings. 

The  programme  having  once  been  made  out,  and  the  meetings  noti- 
fied, the  agent  must  attend  them  without  fail.  If  home  is  to  be  visited, 
or  any  other  business  attended  to,  it  must  be  provided  for  in  the  pro- 
gi'amme,  as  the  accomplishment  of  the  work  depends  upon  the  pre- 
sence of  the  agent.  As  the  general  agent  will  have  a  copy  of  the 
plan,  and  may  be  guided  by  it  in  his  arrangem(?uts  to  meet  you  or 
to  attend  the  county  meeting,  yours  should  not  be  altered  except 
for  grave  reasons,  and  if  altered  he  should  be  immediately  informed 
of  it. 

Before  leaving  the  county  treasurer,  it  will  be  important  for  you 
to  get  from  him  a  quantity  of  books  to  circulate  a:ul  replenish  de- 
positories with ;  also  a  statement  of  money  paid  in  and  books  drawn 
out  by  each  society  during  the  year,  that  you  may  compare  it  with 
entries  on  the  branch  society  account  books,  and  be  able  to  correct 
any  errors  which  may  have  occurred. 

The  agent  should  be  at  the  house  of  the  treasurer  an  hour  or  two 
before  the  meeting  to  assist  him,  if  necessary,  in  balancing  his  ac- 
counts and  making  out  his  report.  These  accounts  should  be 
closed  at  the  time  of  each  annual  meeting  nnd  any  money  or  books 
received  afterwards  should  go  into  the  new  accounts  and  be  em- 
braced in  the  next  year's  report. 

The  depository  account  should  be  Inilanced  first,  (after  charging 
tlie  books  returned  by  local  agents,  if  previously  credited,)  and  the 
amount  credited  as  books  sold  to  make  it  balance  should  be  rhiirgei/ 
in  the  cash  account.  The  books  on  hand  should  b(»  charged  forward 
in  a  new  account.  The  local  agent's  accounts  should  be  examined, 
and  all  money  credited  to  them,  and  not  previously  charged  to  Ihe 
treasurer,  slumld  be  entered  now. 


The  treasurer's  cash  account  shouhl  Iw  bahmced  by  his  iiayinj; 
you  for  the  county  society  and  croditinj^  himself  with  wliatever  i> 
shown  to  bo  in  his  hands,  for  which  your  receipt  shouhl  b(!  givcoi. 
In  case  you  cannot  get  the  money,  it  should  be  charged  in  liis  new 
account  if  re-appointed,  and  if  not,  a  note  for  the  amount  shouhl  be 
taken  and  left  with  the  county  treasurer — a  memorandum  of  the  mat- 
ter beina;  made  on  the  transcribing  book. 

The  local  agent's  account  should  be  balanced  cither  before  or  after 
the  meeting,  by  crediting  all  books  given  and  returned,  as  well  as  the 
money  paid,  and  if  there  is  anything  lacking,  a  memorandum  should 
1)0  made  of  it,  and  the  agents  seen  by  yourself  in  ridation  to  it.  The 
report  of  the  treasurer  should  be  brief,  clear  and  comprehensive, 
and  should  be  handed  over  to  the  secretary  to  he  recorded. 

At  the  annual  meetings  the  order  of  exercises  should  be  as  fol- 
lows : 

1st,  singing  and  pra3'er  ;  tind,  the  secretary's  report  ;  or,  if  he 
has  none,  reading  the  Constitution,  ininutes  of  the  last  meeting,  list 
of  officers,  &c.  ;  Ord,  Treasurer's  report  :  4th,  election  of  otlicers  : 
oth,  selecting  the  place  of  the  next  meeting,  and  of  semi-annual  and 
quarterly  meetings,  if  they  are  to  be  held  ;  6th,  appointment  of  del- 
egates to  the  county  meetings  ;  7th,  the  address  ;  8th,  taking  sub- 
scriptions. 

At  these  meetings,  or  at  meelings  appointed  to  organize,  the  busi- 
ness should  be  transacted,  even  if  but  few  are  present,  so  that  the 
agent  can  commence  operating  immediately  after.  This  is  generally 
preferable  to  adjourning  for  a  larger  audience.  Incase,  however,  ttt 
an  utter  failure  to  have  a  meeting,  the  old  main  officers  can  remain, 
and  you  can  appoint  local  agents  yourself,  and  proceed  with  tlie 
work  as  if  a  meeting  had  been  held. 

The  secretaries  appointed  to  take  the  minutes  of  these  meetings 
frequently  do  not  do  it  correctly,  and  it  will  often  bo  necessary 
for  you  to  write  them  out  and  place  them  in  the  hands  of  the 
permanent  secretai'y.  Whenever  there  is  a  change  of  secretaries  or 
treasurers,  the  agent  should  see  that  the  record  book,  account  book, 
sign,  depository,  &c.,  are  transferred,  and  that  the  new  otHcers  are 
instructed  with  regard  to  their  duties.  It  will  hardly  answer  to 
leave  the  old  officers  to  transfer  matters  to  their  sucessors.  In  some 
instances  the  agent  will  tied  the  old  account  books  tilled  up,  or  the 
old  signs  defaced,   and  in  such  cases   should  furnish  naw  ones. 

After  the  annual  meeting  the  duties  of  the  county  agent  will  be 
somewhat  similar  to  those  heretofore  pointed  out  as  devolving  upon 
him  after  the  meetings  for  organizing.  lie  will,  however,  have  the 
additional  labor  to  perform  of  settling  old  accounts  and  looking  after 
old  subscriptions,  it  is  true  that  the  local  agents  have  been  re- 
quested in  the  circulars  to  settle  their  accounts  and  leave  their  sub- 
scription books  with  the  treasurer,  but  he  will  lind  that  many  of  them 
have  neglected  to  do  so,  and  that  it  will  be  necessary  for  him  to  call 
at  their  homes.  In  visiting  a  district  for  this  pupose,  it  will  be  well 
to  perform  the  whole  work  for  that  district  at  that  time,  so  as  to  avoid 
the  necessity  of  a  second  visit.  It  Avill  be  important  for  you  to  collect 
all  of  the  subscription  book-s,  obtaining  such  as  jou  do  not  find  in 
the  hands  of  the  treasurer  at  the  houses  of  the  agents.  From  these 
you  should  copy  into  your  transcribing  book  the  additional  subscrip- 


24 

tinus  KbtiiinHd  by  the  lucal  agents,  ii<>t  Ucforo  reported  to  you,  and 
the  payments  made  since  the  ag'eut  for  the  previous  year  left  them. 
In  case  one  of  those  subscription  books  cannot  be  found,  you  will 
have  to  make  out  a  new  one,  co}>ving  the  subscriptions  from  your 
transcribing  book.  This  is  one  reason  for  keeping  such  a  book. 
In  some  other  instances,  where  the  subscription  or  transcribing  books 
have  become  veiy  much  soiled,  or  Avhero  there  have  been  many 
changes,  it  will  be  best  to  make  out  new  ones,  omitting  the  worth- 
less ones,  or  else  transfer  such  as  are  available  to  succeeding  pages 
and  paste  the  old  pages  together.  For  that  and  other  pui'poses,  a  vial 
of  mucilage  should  always  be  carried  by  the  agent.  Where  the  old 
hook  is  still  used,  and  subscribers  have  removed  to  another  district 
or  society  in  the  county  they  are  transferred  to  that,  and  so  marked 
on  the  book.  Where  they  have  left  the  county,  they  should  be 
marked  removed.  Where  they  have  withdrawn,  the  word  withdrawn 
opposite  their  names  will  signify  this  also.  Where  persons  increase 
the  size  of  their  subscriptions,  (which  those  who  are  able  should  be 
invited  to  do,)  they  should  be  entered  as  new  ones,  and  the  old  ones, 
if  paid,  marked  "transferred.^'  or  the  name  can  remain  in  the  old 
place  with  the  amount  opposite  altered  and  the  date  of  the  increase 
entered  between  the  name  and  the  sum.  When  new  ones  are  added 
to  a  page  on  either  book  under  those  of  an  earlier  date  a  dash  ( — ) 
should  be  made  across  the  column  or  columns  opposite,  until  the  one 
is  reached  with  a  date  coiTesponding  with  that  of  the  subscription. 

It  is  very  important  that  the  subscription  and  transcribing  books 
exactly  correspond,,  and  they  should  be  examined  by  the  traveling 
agent  with  this  in  view,  and  made  to  do  so  by  entering  any  names 
and  payments  upon  either  which  may  be  necessary.  If  he  collects 
anything  after  he  leaves  the  subscription  book  in  the  hands  of  a 
local  agent,  he  should  not  only  credit  it  in  the  transcribing  book, 
but  if  he  cannot  go  back,  should  write  a  letter  to  the  local  agent, 
requesting  him  to  make  similar  credits  on  his  subscription  book. 
Otherwise  the  local  agent  may  call  upon  subscribers  for  the  same 
money,  and  thus  produce  dissatisfaction. 

While  the  old  transcribing  book  is  used,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
cover  it  each  year  with  one  of  the  abbreviated  books,  containing 
blanks  for  the  names  of  the  new  officers,  summary,  &c.  The  blanks 
on  the  inside  of  these  abbreviated  books,  when  used  for  covers,  need 
not  be  filled,  as  the  names  of  the  local  agents,  &c.,  should  appear 
in  the  body  of  the  book,  over  their  subscriptions. 

The  subscription  books,  after  having  been  used  by  yourself  as 
long  as  time  will  allow,  in  obtaining  new  subscriptions,  collecting 
old  ones,  <fcc.,  are  then  left  in  the  hands  of  the  local  agents  witli 
blanks  for  reports,  and  such  instructions  as  may  be  necessary. 
The  same  course  with  regard  to  ()[»oning  and  settling  accounts — 
transmitting  transcribing  books,  &c.,  is  pursued  during  each  suc- 
ceeding year,  as  the  iirst. 

If  your  work  in  a  society  is  finished  before  the  time  of  the  meeting 
in  the  next  one,  you  can  proceed  thither  and  commence  canvassing 
before  it  is  held.  We  never  icaii  for  the  time  of  meeting  to  occur, 
for  although  our  labors  are  usually  subsequent  to  it,  we  can  find 
enough  to  do  previously. 


SEMI-ANNIIAT.  MEETLNGJ?. 

It  i.s  well  to  li.'Id  seini-anniial  iiioetings,  to  be  attended  by  an  agent, 
M-hen  tlie  societies  arc  not  disposed  to  liold  quarterly  ones  without  his 
assistance.  They  arc  called  in  rapid  succession,  according  to  a  pro- 
gTamnie  previously  made  out,  generality  one  every  evening,  or  at  least 
six  every  week,  so  that  the  expense  oif  agency  connected  with  them  is 
tnfling.  It  is  well  to  arrange  the  progranime  so  that  the  agent  may  spend 
his  Sabbaths  in  places  where  he  did  not  address  congi-egations  at  the  time 
of  the  annual  meetings.  The  principal  objects  of  these  semi-annual 
meetings  are  to  secure  more  efficiency  on  the  part  of  local  agents — induce 
(hem  to  close  up  their  work  earlier  in  the  year  than  otherwise — provide 
substitutes  in  case  of  the  failure  of  any  of  them  to  act  efficientlv — rc- 
]ilenish  the  Depositories,  if  necesssary — gather  up  the  funds  on  hand  for 
the  County  Societ}',  and  give  a  new  impulse  to  the  organization,  so  that 
something  will  be  acccomplishod  during  the  last  half  of  the  year.  Unless 
something  is  done  to  secure  these  results,  many  of  (he  societies  will  re- 
main almost  dormant  from  the  time  of  one  annual  meeting  to  that  of 
another  —  subscriptions  will  be  lost  from  death,  removals,  &c.,  or,  if  col- 
lected at  all,  it  will  be  so  near  the  close  of  one  year  that  it  will  interfere 
with  the  operations  of  the  next. 

The  traveling  agent  sends  out  circulars  to  the  officers  and  local  agents 
three  or  four  weeks  before  these  meetings  occur — giving  notice  of  them, 
and  urging  the  receivers  to  discharge  the  duties  devolving  upon  them. 
At  the  time  of  each  meeting  he  sees  that  the  necessary  business  is  trans- 
acted —  delivers  an  address,  if  it  seems  proper,  and  spends  the  day  suc- 
ceeding each  in  doing  what  is  most  necessary  for  the  promotion  of  the 
cause.    There  will  be  much  to  be  done  on  this  day,  and  he  should  not  leave 
for  the  next  society  until  there  is  barely  time  enough  to  drive  to  it  and 
get  ready  for  its  meeting.     If  he  does  nothing  but  merely  travel  from 
society  to  society,  and  attend  the  semi-annual  meetings,  he  might  almost 
as  well  be  out  of  the   county.     One  of  the   main   reasons  for  having  a 
traveling  agent  at  the  time  of  these   meetings  is,  that  he  may  put  the 
machinery  ni  working  order  for  the  last  half  of  the  year,  and  give  it  a  new 
impulse.     Both  at  the  meeting  and  subsequently  he  should  endeavor  to 
guard  against  the  impression  that  the  work  for  the  year  is  done ;  for,  al- 
lliough  in  the  ciixulars  we  rerjuest  the  local  agents  to  complete  their  labors 
jirevious  to  the  semi-annual  meetings,  we  must  not  be  too  sanguine  that 
they  will  do  so.     In  nearly  all  the  districts  there  will  be  subscriptions  to 
be  collected,  or  new  ones  to  l)e  obtained,  or  books  to  be  circulated.     The 
traveling  agent  will  need  to  call  at  the  homes  of  such  local  agents  as  were 
not  at  the  meeting  and  urge  them  to  perform  their  duties  ;  or,  if  there  is 
110  probability  that  they  will  do  so,  secure  substitutes,  and  place  the  sub- 
scription books,  and   perhaps   Bibles  and   Testaments,  in  their  hands. 
Either  with  or  without  the   local  agent,  he  should  call  on  as  many  sub- 
scribers, and  others,  as  time  will  allow — for  although  it  is  not  expected 
to  inake  a  general  canvass,  he  can  frequently  spend  a  few  hours  in  calling 
upon  subscribers — especially  in  villages,  where  calls  can  be  made  rapidly 
— and  accomphsh  much  by  so  doing.     Every  proper  opportunity  sliould 
likewise   be   embraced   to   obtain   new   subscriptions.     Not  only  should 
additional  members  be  solicited  at  the  meeting,  but  if  there  are  individual 
who  will  be  at  all  likely  to  make  liberal  subscriptions,  they  should  be  vis- 
ited at  their  homes  the  next  day.     At  the  close  of  the  tour  in  a  county  in 
connection  with  semi-annual  meetings,  a  copy  of  the  book  and  cash  ac- 
count of  the  county  agent  should  be  sent  to  the  general  agent,  as  is  done 
4  ■     ■ 


26 

at  the  close  of  the  annual  ones.  Ho  slionid  also  be  informed  of  any 
changes  in  officers  or  agents,  that  they  may  be  entered  on  his  abbreviated 
books. 

QUARTERLY  MEETINGS. 

These,  when  held,  take  the  place  of  semi-annual  ones.  They  arc 
deemed  preferable,  and  we  persuade  the  societies  to  arrange  for  them 
whenever  practicable.  One  object  is  to  get  the  local  agents  to  make  calls 
as  often  as  once  a  quarter,  until  they  can  linish  their  woi'k,  instead  of 
allowing  it  to  remain  unattended  to  until  near  the  close  of  the  year.  The 
circulars  which  we  send  to  them,  notifying  these  quarterly  meetings,  and 
requesting  them  to  collect  money,  circulate  books,  &c.,  and  report  what 
they  have  done,  will  have  a  tendency  to  secure  this  result,  so  that,  even  if 
the  meeting  is  a  failure,  the  calling  of  it  will  not  ha  in  vain. 

Another  object  is  to  save  expense,  as  these  jneetings  are  to  be  held, 
generally,  without  a  traveling  agent.  We  shall  also  secure  a  better  attend- 
ance, as  they  can  all  be  held  on  Sabbaths,  while  semi-annnal  meetings,  at- 
tended by  a  traveling  agent,  must  of  necessity  be  held  luostly  on  week  days. 

Still  another  object,  is  by  having  these  meetings  in  ditferent  parts  of 
the  society,  to  bring  their  influence  to  bear  upon  those  who  would  not 
attend  the  annual  ones  away  from  their  immediate  neighborhoods. 

Then,  also,  those  Avho  deliver  the  addresses  on  these  occasions  will  l)e 
likely  to  become  more  interested  in  the  cause  themselves,  l>y  their  efforts 
to  interest  others. 

We  hope,  as  another  result,  by  committing  these  meetings  to  the 
people — and  especially  to  the  officers  and  local  agents — to  bring  them  to 
feel  that  the  cause  is  their  own — to  give  them  an  opportunitj^  of  showing 
that  they  can  do  something  themselves — to  lead  them  to  depend  less  upon 
traveling  agents,  and  to  make  the  societies  more  self-sustaining. 

An  objection  which  may  be  raised  against  quarterly  meetings  is,  tiiat 
they  will  give  the  Bible  cause  undue  prominence,  and  weary  congrega- 
tions by  its  too  frequent  presentation.  But  the  same  objections  might  he 
raised  against  monthly  concerts  for  missions  or  Sabbath  schools,  or  indeed 
against  frequent  religious  meetings  of  any  kind.  We  need  to  meet  fre- 
quently to  do  good  as  v.'cll  as  to  </et  good ;  and  once  in  three  months  i.-- 
not  too  often  to  have  our  attention  called  to  our  indebtedness  to  the  Bible, 
or  our  responsiliilities  in  connection  with  its  circulation.  Besides,  these 
quarterly  meetings  are  to  be  held  in  dilterent  neighborhoods,  so  that  each 
will  generally  have  but  one  meeting  during  the  year. 

But  the  traveling  agent,  though  absent,  must  be  the  life  and  .soul  of 
these  meetings,  as  without  his  attention  they  will  amount  to  but  little. 
At  the  annual  meeting  he  should  introduce  and  reconunend  them,  stating 
clearlj?^  the  reasons  therefor;  and  if  the  society  votes  to  adopt  them,  have 
the  day,  time  of  day,  and  place  of  each,  decided  upon  and  recorded  by 
the  Secretary. 

Unless  there  are  special  reasons  to  the  contrary,  these  u'.eetings  had  better 
be  held  on  the  first  Sabbath  of  each  (juarter  of  the  year — that  is  (omitting 
one),  on  the  first  Sabbaths  of  March,  June,  September  and  December — so 
that  the  agent  can  send  out  his  notices  for  one  quarter,  and  thus  have 
this  duty  off  his  mind  until  it  is  time  to  send  again.  Otherwise  he  nuist 
be  constantly  on  the  qui  vive,  lest  the  pro{)er  time  for  mailing  the  circulars, 
&c.,  to  a  particular  society,  should  pass  by.  It  will  also,  generally,  be 
better  to  have  them  in  the  afternoon  or  evening,  so  that  notices  can  be 
given  in  the  forenoon  of  the  same  day,  and  so  that  different  congrega- 
tions can  better  unite  in  attending  them. 


It  will  be  best  to  have  but  three  quarterl}^  meetings  each  year,  omitting 
the  one  for  the  quarter  during  which  th(^  annual  one  is  usuall}^  held.  The 
propriety  of  having  them  in  different  places  should  be  suggested  b}^  the 
agent,  who  will  malce  the  necessary  memoranda  concerning  them  upon 
his  transcri))ing  and  abbreviated  books.  He  should  also  leave  a  memo- 
randum of  their  times  and  places,  with  each  officer  and  local  agent,  blanks 
having  been  prepared  for  the  purpose. 

About  three  or  four  weeks  previous  to  each  meeting  he  should  send 
circulars  to  the  officers  and  agents,  calling  attention  to  them  and  to  their 
duties  in  connection  with  them.  If  it  will  not  increase  the  postage,  the 
notices  in  these  circulars  should  be  fdled  out  before  sending  them.  If  it 
will,  they  can  be  filled  out  Ijy  those  who  receive  them,  if  you  have  left 
with  them  the  quarterly  cards,  or  memoranda,  as  before  suggested.  At 
the  bottom  of  the  circulars  sent  to  local  agents  will  be  found  blanks  for 
their  quarterly  reports.  In  the  one  sent  to  the  Treasurer,  or  in  the  let- 
ters to  him,  a  blank  report  on  a  separate  piece  of  paper  should  be  enclosed. 
The  principal  danger  of  the  failure  of  quarterly  meetings  will  be  the 
neglect  of  the  officers  to  secure  speakers  and  make  other  necessary  ar- 
rangements. They  should,  therefore,  be  instructed  with  regard  to  their 
duties  in  connection  with  these  meetings  by  the  agent,  before  he  leaves,  and 
reminded  of  them  by  letter  afterwards.  In  addition  to  this  it  will  be  well 
for  the  agent,  with  the  approbation  of  the  othcers,  to  secm'c  certain  min- 
isters, or  other  per.sons,  to  deliver  the  addresses  at  the  several  meetings, 
and  minute  their  names  and  post  offices  on  his  transcribing  book,  in  con- 
nection with  each,  so  that  he  may  address  them  in  relation  to  their  en- 
gagements at  a  proper  time  afterwards. 

In  connection  with  the  quarterly  meetings  there  will  be  duties  to  be 
performed  similar  to  those  heretofore  pointed  out  as  devolving  upon  the 
traveling  agent,  in  connection  with  the  semi-annual  ones.  Jlut,  as  he 
does  not  attend  the  quarterly  meetings,  he  must,  by  correspondence,  se- 
cure the  performance  of  these  duties  by  others.  From  the  local  agent's 
reports,  which  have  been  sent  him,  or  from  the  lack  of  such  reports,  he 
will  be  likeh'  to  know  what  ones  are  not  efficient,  and  where  changes 
should  be  made.  He  can  suggest  these  changes  to  the  Treasurer,  and 
also  the  importance  of  his  transferring  the  subscription  books,  if  any  are 
made,  to  the  new  local  agents,  and  informing  them  of  their  duties,  lie 
will  also  request  the  Treasurer  to  send  him,  immediately  after  the  meeting, 
his  quarterly  report,  with  a  record  of  changes,  &c.,  on  the  back,  and  also 
the  reports  of  the  local  agents.  In  this  way  he  can  be  kept  informed  of 
what  is  being  done,  and  will  know  Ijetter  what  to  do  himself  in  future. 
This  information  will  be  of  special  use  to  him  in  making  out  his  pro- 
gramme for  the  next  annual  meetings.  If  he  finds  that  a  societ}-  is  effi- 
cient, and  doing  its  work  properly  without  him,  he  can  arrange  his 
appointments  so  as  to  devote  but  little  time  to  it ;  while,  if  he  finds  that 
almost  nothing  is  done  in  his  absence,  he  will,  of  course,  give  it  more 
time  in  his  programme,  so  as  to  make  up  their  lack  of  service  by  his 
personal  efforts.  He  should  also  correspond  with  the  Treasurer  in  rela- 
tion to  remitting  funds,  procuring  books,  itc,  and  if  he  cannot  get  the 
neces.sary  work  done  by  hun,  or  information  from  him,  should  write  to 
some  other  officer  of  the  society. 

Although  we  want  to  make  the  quarterly  meetings  general,  yot,  in 
some  counties,  part  of  the  societies  may  vote  to  have  them,  and  others 
only  semi-annual  ones.  In  such  cases,  if  the  agent  attends  the  latter,  he 
can  at  the  same  time  pay  a  hasty  visit  to  such  societies  as  hold  quarterly 


1>S 

meetings,  and  do  whatever  may  seem  necessary  within  their  l)Ounds. 
tliough  lie  does  not  attend  their  nieetinfis.  If  he  does  not  attend  the 
semi-annual  ones,  they  had  better  be  on  the  Sabbath,  as  much  larger  con- 
gregations can  then  be  gathered.  Even  if  an  agent  does  not  attend  any 
meetings  except  the  annual  ones,  it  may  be  well,  if  he  has  tune,  to  pass 
rapidly  through  the  various  societies,  at  some  time  during  the  year,  for 
the  purpose  of  setting  in  order  anything  which  may  have  become  disar- 
ranged, and  giving  them  a  new  impulse.  He  can  do  this  to  some  extent 
in  passing  from  one  portion  of  his  field  to  another,  or  in  going  to  and 
returning  from  his  home.  In  this  case,  the  plan  is  to  call  upon  all  of  the 
Treasurers  and  as  many  of  the  local  agents  as  possible,  and  write  briel' 
letters  to  others,  after  learning  from  the  Treasurers  or  their  ])Ooks  that 
they  have  not  completed  the  work.  He  can  also  call  upon  such  sub- 
scribers as  he  passes,  being  always  careful  to  inform  local  agents  what  he 
collects,  and  to  request  them  to  collect  i'rom  others.  In  this  way  he  can 
pass  through  two  or  three  societies  daily — gather  up  funds  for  the  comity 
society,  and  impart  velocity  to  machinery  which  might  otherwise  remain 
motionless  to  the  end  of  the  year. 

COUNTY  ANNUAL   MEETING. 

This  is  usually  held  at  the  close  of  the  labors  of  the  agent  in  tlie 
county.  He  will  generally  present  the  cause  to  the  churches  at  the 
county  seat,  and  canvass  the  territory  not  included  in  the  branches  pre- 
vious to  the  county  meeting.  As  this  is  designed  for  the  entii'e  county, 
and  partly  for  the  transaction  of  business,  it  should  occur  on  a  week  day. 
The  executive  committee  should  be  consulted  on  the  first  an-ival  of  the 
agent  in  the  county,  when  the  time  and  place  of  this  meeting  shoidd  lie 
decided  upon,  and  when  also  local  agents  for  the  county  seat  and  vicinity 
can  be  appointed. 

The  interest  and  usefulness  of  the  county  anniversary,  and  the  num- 
bers present,  will  dejiend  very  much  upon  yourself — upon  your  tact  and 
zeal  in  "getting  it  up."  Tlie  best  way  is  Avith  the  assistance  of  some 
members  of  the  committee  to  secure  a  number  of  speakers,  assigning  a 
topic  to  each,  and  then  have  a  quantitj^  of  attractive  hand  bills  printed, 
announcing  not  only  the  time  and  place  of  the  meeting,  ])ut  the  speakers 
and  their  themes,  and  post  them  as  you  jiass  over  the  county.  In  ad- 
dition to  this,  the  meeting  should  be  published  in  the  county  papers,  and 
by  clergymen  in  their  desks,  from  notices  furnished  b}'  j^ourself  It  may 
be  w  ell,  also,  to  refer  to  the  gathering  at  the  meetings  of  the  branch  so- 
cieties, and  have  delegates  appointed,  \vith  the  imdcrstanding,  however, 
that  this  does  not  exclude  others  from  attending. 

The  meeting  having  been  thus  announced,  suitable  re]iorts  should  be 
made  ready,  the  preparation  of  which  will,  in  some  instances,  re(iuire 
j'our  assistance  for  a  day  or  two.  The  treasurer's  report  should  exhibil 
the  cash  received  from  each  branch  socict}',  the  donations  at  the  county 
seat,  the  amount  from  sales  in  the  depository  and  liy  the  county  agent, 
llie  amoimt  from  other  sources,  the  aggregate,  and  disposition  made  of  it. 
His  Depository  report  should  show  the  amount  of  books  received  and 
the  disposition  made  of  them,  the  amount  deliverecl  to  each  Branch  So- 
ciety being  reported  separately.  Following  this,  should  be  a  statement 
oi"  the  account  between  the  County  Society  and  the  American.  Befon- 
making  out  the  Treasurer's  account,  an  inventory  of  the  ))ooks  on  hand 
should  of  course  be  taken,  and  his  accounts  bo  balanced. 

The  Secretary's  report  should  be  more  general,  presenting  a  history  »{ 


V  29 

operations  during;  the  year,  or  during  the  existence  of  tlie  society-,  if 
thought  best ;  and  embracing  some  of  the  main  items  of  the  Treasurer's 
and  County  Agent's  rejiorts.  A  copy  of  this  should  be  forwarded  to  the 
Parent  Socict}'. 

The  agent's  report  should  exhibit  the  results  of  his  labors,  and  the  con- 
dition of  the  cause  in  the  county,  and  should  embrace  the  aggregates  of 
his  county  summary,  v.ith  such  interesting  facts  as  have  lallcn  under  his 
observation.  The  reports  should  be  presented,  and  the  necessary  l)usi- 
ness  transacted  before  the  addresses. 

Where  the  society  is  in  a  condidion  to  make  a  donation  to  the  A.  B.  S. 
it  should  he  suggested,  and  action  taken  by  the  society  or  its  executive 
committee.  This  donation  can  be  applied  to  constitute  life  members  of 
the  Parent  Society,  and  it  will  be  vi^cU  for  you  to  present  the  names  of 
efficient  local  Agents  for  this  honor.  After  the  meeting,  an  account  of  it 
and  of  the  operations  of  the  Society,  should  be  published  in  the  county 
papers.  This  account  sliould  be  so  prepared  as  to  make  the  best  im- 
pression possible. 

A  count}^  summary,  with  a  brief  statement  of  what  was  done  at  the 
meeting,  atid  nanus  of  all  new  officers,  should  be  forwarded  soon  after, 
by  the  county  agent,  to  the  Agent  of  the  Parent  Society. 

In  case  of  a  change  of  county  Treasurers,  the  Agent  should  l)efon' 
leaving  the  county,  assist  in  removing  the  books  and  o])ening  new  ac- 
counts, and  should  inform  the  Ijranch  treasurers  of  such  change. 

SUGGESTIONS  IN  RELATION  TO  BIBLE  MEETINGS. 

Meetings  for  the  formation  of  branch  societies  are  usually  held  on  ihe 
Sabbath,  as  it  is  dcsiralile  to  address  a  good  congregation  before  organ- 
izing. Matters  can  be  so  arranged  before  hand,  that  the  organization 
need  occupy  but  a  few  moments. 

Annual  meetings  of  branch  societies  should  generally  occm-  on  week- 
day evenings.  "Where  two  are  held  weekly,  Wednesday  and  Saturday 
evenings  willl  be  the  most  appropriate  times.  Saturday  evening  \\\\\ 
generally  be  preferable  to  Sunday,  at  least  in  villages,  for  the  following 
reasons:  1st.  If  we  make  an  appointment  while  at  a  distance,  for  an 
annual  meeting  on  Sunday,  it  may  interfere  with  some  previous  appoiiU- 
ment.  2d.  While  the  transaction  of  the  business  of  an  annual  meeting 
occupies  but  little  time,  and  may  l)e  done  on  the  Sabbatli  without  sin,  if 
necessary,  yet  it  seems  more  appropriate  for  a  week  day.  •'!(!.  Although 
the  congregation  will  be  small  on  Saturday  evening,  yet  if  the  husines.s 
is  disposed  of  then,  the  agent  will  he  more  at  liberty  to  present  the  cause, 
whenever  there  may  be  opportunities,  on  the  following  day,  and  can  then 
state  what  was  done  at  the  meeting,  and  what  has  been  accomplished  Ijy 
the  society.  Should  there  not  be  enough  out  at  the  Saturday  evening 
appointment  to  transact  the  business,  it  can  be  adjourned  to  some  hour 
of  the  Sabbath.  But  when  officers  are  to  be  appointed  at  a  Sabbath 
meeting,  or  at  any  other  where  a  good  congregation  is  expected,  tlio 
nomination,  as  before  stated,  should  Ije  made  out  beforehand,  as  it  is 
disastrous  to  the  interests  of  a  meeting  to  keep  a  large  audience  waiting 
I'or  bashful  men  to  nominate  officers,  and  selections  made  at  such  times 
are  very  apt  to  be  injudicious. 

Not  only  should  the  business  be  transacted  at  the  annual  meeting, 
even  if  but  iiew  are  present,  but  a  l)rief  address  should  be  delivered,  as  il 
is  desirable  to  make  these  meetings  interesting,  that  they  may  be  well 
attended  hereafter.     The  officers  are  requested  in  the  circulai's  to  provide 


30 

speakers  for  these  occasions,  but  they  often  fail  to  do  so,  and  in  such 
cases  the  duty  will  devolve  upon  j-ourself.  The  agent  should  arrange  to 
address  two  or  throe  congregatious  each  Sabbath,  if  possible.  Some 
times  he  can  make  special  appointment:;  for  this  purpose,  and  sometiines 
can  fill  the  appointments  of  others,  or  mal:e  a  few  remarks  at  the  close 
of  their  sermons.  The  ol»jects  of  these  meetings  is  both  to  diffuse  in- 
formation and  to  secure  subscriptions.  During  the  fall  and  winter  it 
may  be  well  to  have  week  evening  appointments  for  lectures,  in  addition 
to  those  at  the  annual  meetings.  The  agent  can  write  to  the  treasurer 
beforehand,  stating  what  evenings,  in  addition  to  the  one  of  the  annual 
meeting,  he  expects  to  spend  within  the  bounds  of  the  society,  and  re- 
questing him  to  make  appointments  at  such  places,  other  than  the  one 
where  the  annual  meeting  is  held,  as  he  may  think  best,  and  inform  him 
on  his  arrival.  But  a  better  course  is  for  each  agent  to  note  on  the 
transcribing  book  (especially  for  the  1)enefit  of  his  successor,  who  may 
be  a  stranger  in  the  county)  the  places  where  sucli  meetings  should  be 
held,  and  then  the  traveling  agent  can  himself  decide  where  he  will 
address  congregations  on  particular  evenings,  and  send  notices  directlj' 
to  the  local  agents  in  those  districts.  If  his  county  map  shows  the 
school  districts,  it  vrill  aid  him  in  making  his  appointments. 

LOCAL  AGENTS. 
These  are  essential  to  our  system.  We  cannot  do  without  them  ;  and 
yet  it  will  not  answer  to  depend  upon  them  entirely.  Some  of  the  county 
agents,  observing  the  inefficiency  of  many  of  the  local  ones,  conclude 
that  it  is  vain  to  endeavor  to  get  them  to  perform  the  work,  and  do  not 
take  sufficient  pains  to  initiate  and  superintend  tliem.  Others  rely  too 
much  upon  them,  and  do  not  spend  sufiicient  time  in  personal  solicitation 
themselves.  The  proper  course  is  for  traveling  agents  to  steer  between 
these  extremes — to  spend  as  much  time  in  personal  visitation  as  possible, 
and  yet  so  instruct  and  incite  their  local  fellow-laborers  that  something 
will  be  done  after  they  have  left,  lie  should,  of  course,  exercise  good 
judgment  in  the  apportionment  of  his  time  to  diiierent  parts  of  a  society 
■ — spending  it  where  there  is  the  most  need  of  his  labors.  Where  he  can 
find  no  one  upon  whom  he  can  depend  to  do  the  work,  it  will  be  important 
that  he  should  spend  more  time  in  canvassing  personally,  while  in  other 
districts  where  he  can  find  local  agents  who  will  be  sure  to  do  it  he  can, 
if  necessary,  leave  more  in  their  hands.  So  far  as  we  can  get  local 
agents  to  do  the  work  and  do  it  right,  the  expense  of  agency  may  be 
saved,  and  the  spiritual  good  of  those  who  perform  this  labor  will  be 
promoted.  There  ought  to  lie  interest  enough  in  the  Bible  cause  in  eveiy 
community  to  sustain  Bible  organizations  and  perform  the  necessary 
labor  in  connection  with  them  without  foreign  assistance.  "While,  there- 
fore, we  take  things  as  they  are  and  not  as  they  should  be,  and  while  we 
act  upon  the  assumption  that  what  we  do  ourselves  is  done  beyond  a  per- 
ad venture,  and  that  what  we  leave  otliers  to  accomplish  raay  be  performed, 
and  may  not  be,  and  while  we  attend  to  the  et  ceterns  of  our  work  during 
mornings,  evenings,  and  other  leisure  moments,  so  that  the  unbroken 
days  may  be  spent  in  canvassing,  yet  we  should  aim  to  secure  the 
most  service  j^ossible  from  tliose  wlio  serve  gratuitously.  In  order  to  do 
this,  several  things  should  be  kept  in  view. 

1st.  Care  should  le  taken  to  secure  local  agents  wlio  will  serve.  It  will 
not  answer  to  leave  our  subscription  books  with  men  merely  because 
they  were   appointed  as  agents^  .Unless   they  will  agree  to  perform  the 


31 

duties  of  their  agency,  others  should  be  secured  who  -will.  At  an 
nual  meetings  it  will  be  v/ell  to  call  for  volunteers  to  act  in  this  capacity, 
on  the  principle  that  volunteer  soldiers  arc  more  interested  and  efficient 
than  drafted  ones.  After  having  ])rovided  for  as  many  districts  as  possi- 
ble in  this  w.ay,  others  can  be  supplied  iiy  nomination.  Our  experience 
is  that  ladies  are  generally  more  faithful  and  successful  solicitors  than 
gentlemen,  and  they  should  often  bo  appointed — especially  in  compactly 
settled  districts,  where  they  can  visit  without  difficulty.  Sometimes  both 
a  lady  and  gentleman  are  appointed  for  a  single  district,  so  tliat  if  one 
neglects  the  woric  the  other  may  attend  to  it.  In  such  cases,  it  is  1)etter 
that  they  be  members  of  the  same  family  and  use  the  same  subscription 
book. 

2d.  Care  should  he  tal-en  to  imprens  upon  the  minds  of  the  agents  the 
fact  thai  the.  worl:  is  their  own  (as  it  certainly  is),  and  that  if  we  labor 
together  we  are  helping  them  instead  of  their  helping  us.  If  they  receive 
this  impression  they  will  be  much  more  ready  than  otherwise' to  avail 
themselves  of  our  assistance,  and  arrange  their  business  so  as  to  make 
calls  when  we  can  go  with  them ;  whereas,  if  they  get  an  idea  that  it  is 
our  vrork,  the  natural  conclusion  is,  that  we  may  attend  to  it.  Their 
presence  with  us  in  our  visits  is  of  great  importance,  not  only  because 
we  shall  thus  succeed  mucli  better  than  otherwise,  but  that  they  may 
witness  our  manner  of  operating,  and  be  better  prepared  to  finish  the 
remaining  work.  Hence  we  should  always  have  the  male  local  agents 
with  us  in  our  visits,  if  possible ;  and  if  we  place  properly  before  them 
their  responsibilities,  and  otfer  to  help  them,  instead  of  asking  them  to 
help  us,  we  can  generally  secure  their  company. 

3d.  We  sliould  instruct  tlie  local  agents  thorougldy  icith  regard  to  their 
duties.  Their  attention  should  be  called  to  the  explanations  and  sugges- 
tions in  their  subscription  books.  They  should  read  them  before  they 
commence  their  visits.  Tiie^^  should  also  receive  from  you  such  addit- 
ional explanations  and  instructions  as  may  be  necessary.  Hence  it  is 
very  important  that  you  should  have  personal  interviews  with  them.  If 
this  is  impracticable,  information  can  bo  communicated  to  them  by  letter. 
But,  by  all  means,  never  leave  their  subscription  books  and  reports  any 
v/here  but  in  their  ovrn  I'amilies  or  in  the  post  office.  If  you  entrust 
them  to  the  treasurer,  or  others,  the  agent  may  never  get  them. 

4th.  The  local  agents  shovJd  he  svpervised  and  prompted  hy  you  after 
you  hare  left.  It  will  not  answer  for  3-on  to  leave  them  without  this,  for 
if  you  do  so  many  of  them  will  accomplish  nothing.  It  is  true  that  tlm 
constitutions  make  it  the  duty  of  the  treasurers  t)  exercise  this  supervi- 
sion, and  we  induce  them  to  do  it,  so  far  as  possible;  but  many  of  them 
are  as  neglectful  of  tlieir  duties  as  tiie  local  agents,  and  unless  the  latter 
are  reached  by  you  directly  they  will  not  be  incited  at  all. 

The  plan,  therefore,  as  before  stated,  is  to  leave  a  blank  for  a  report 
with  each  local  agent,  to  be  filled  out  snd  sent  to  the  treasurer  a  few  days 
after.  Care  should  always  be  taken  to  specify  the  tim.e  of  forwarding  it, 
Vjoth  in  the  blanks  of  the  report  and  verbally,  and  to  write  the  address 
of  the  treasurer  upon  it.  One  object  of  these  reports  is  to  get  the  local 
agents  to  perform  their  work  within  a  specified  time,  and  another  that 
we  may  know  what  they  have  done.  After  the  treasurer  has  received 
them  and  copied  the  necessary  entries  into  his  book,  he  is  to  forward 
them  by  mail  to  the  traveling  agent  at  the  county  scat,  or  such  other 
place  as  you  may  designate.  On  their  reception  you  will  copy  the  addi- 
tional subscriptions  reported  into  your  transcribing  book,  and   add   the 


results  of  the  labors  of  tlio  aj^cnls  in  all  (lepartiiicnts  to  tlioso  of  your 
own,  so  as  to  present  at  the  county  meeting  a  summary  of  all  that  has 
been  done  in   the   county,  so  Ihr  as  reported.     But    in    many  cases   you 
will  have  to  write  to  the  treasiu'crs,  repeating  your    request  for  the  re- 
ports of  the   local   agents;  and  will  sometimes  have  to  apply  to  some 
other    officer  or  to  the  agents  themselves,  and  even  then  will  probably 
get  fioni  only  part  of  them.     To  those  who  have  not  reported  it  will  be 
im])ovtant  that  you  write  brief  letters,   reminding  them   of  the   need  of 
(heir  performing  their  work,  and  informing  the  treasurer  what  they  hav^' 
done.     Sometimes  you  may  have  to  repeat  your  letters  to  these  agents 
two  or  three  times    l)efore  j-ou  can   get  any  response,  and   tinally  may 
lind  it  necessary  to  suggest  to  the  treasurer  tlte  appointment  of  substi- 
tutes and  transfer  of  subscription   books.     All  this  will,  oi'  course,  re- 
quire  correspondence;  but  it  is  utter  folly  to  appoint   local  agents  and 
leave  them  to  do  nothing,   and  they  must  be  reminded  of  their  duties 
imtil  they  will    pertbnn   them,  or  give  place  to  others.     The   traveling 
agent  must  remember  that  he  is  the  corresponding  secretary  for  his  dis- 
trict, and  that  he  is  to  keep  the  machinery  of  a  society  moving,  during 
his  absence,  by  his  pen.     Almost  all  men    must  be  reminded  of  their 
duties,   or  they  will  neglect  to  perform    them.     A  letter  which  can   be 
written  in  live  minutes  will  sometimes  accomplish  as  nnich  for  the  i-ause 
as  could  be  performed  in  half  a  day  by  personal  effort  on  the  ground. 
TREASURER. 
'I'hc  oiHce  of  Treasurer  is  the  most  important  one  in  a  branch  society. 
He  is  not  only  the  Treasurer,  but  the  Depositary  and  Superintendent  for 
the  association.     The  constitution  makes  it  his  duty  "to  superintend  the 
operations  of  the  local '  agents,    provide   substitutes  in   tlie   case  of  flic 
failure  of  any  of  them  to  act  efficiently,  receive   from  them  what  they 
collect,  pay  it  to  the  treasurer  of  the  county  society,  obtain  from  him  the 
requisite  quantity  of  books,  and  take  the  supervision  of  their  circulation." 
Such  being  his  duties,  care  should  be  taken  to  select  the  right  man  for 
the  station  ;  one  who  feels  an  interest  in  the  cause,  and  wlio  Mill  be  willing 
to  devote  the  requisite  time  to  the  discharge  of  his  duties — one  M'ho  will 
not  only  keep   the   accounts   and   books   properly,  and   forward   money 
)n-ompt]y,  but  who  will  correspond  with  the  traveling  agent,  and  assist 
him  in  keeping  the  society  in  operation.     It  is  important,  also,   that  he 
reside  centrall3%  and  if  in  a,  village,  that  he  have  a  store,  or  otlice,  or  shop, 
or  .some  other  ]>lace  of  business,  where  he  and  the  books  can   readily  be 
found.     The  county  agent  should  suggest  these   things  when  a  man  fov 
the  otfice  is  to  be  nominated.     He  should  also  instruct  treasurers  as  well 
as  local  agents  with  regard  to   their  duties.     Tlieir   attention    should   be 
dii'ected  to  the  article  in  the  constitution  delining  these  duties,  and  to  the 
card  of  "  Suggestions  to  Treasurers,"  one  of  which  should  be  pasted  into 
each  of  their  books.     Also  to  the   printed  "  specimens  of  accounts"    in 
the  books. 

The  name  and  residence  of  the  county  treasurer  should  be  given  to 
each  local  one,  and  they  shoulil  be  instructed  to  forward,  to  him  Bible 
money  whenever  they  have  a  lew  dollars  on  hand,  and  to  obtain  from 
him  books  whenever  needed.  They  should  be  reminded  that  books  are 
not  to  be  sold  on  credit,  unless  tliey  will  advance  the  money,  and  that 
the  society's  funds  are  not  to  be  borrowed  for  private  ])urposes,  but  kept 
sacred  until  there  is  an  ojipctrtunity  to  forward  them.  They  should  also 
be  instructed  fully  with  regard  to  the  reasons  and  importance  of  sending 
reports  and  letters  to  the  county  agents. 


33        , 

AUDITING  ACCOUNTS. 
In  addition  U>  his  other  duties,  the  !i.:ront  has  t()  be  a  sort  of  cjeneral 
auditor.     Our  treasurers  are  usually  c^ood  men,  hut  not  always  ^ood 
accountants,  and  somotimcs  neglect  to  make  entries,  or  inadvertently 
make  wrong  ones,  which  result  in  loss  to  the  cause  unless  corrected. 
The  agent  should  be  the  guardian  of  the    society's  interests  in  this 
respect,  and  hence  should  be  a  good  accountant,  and  make  himself 
perfectly  acquainted  with  the  method  of  accounts  exhibited   in  the 
specimen.     The  account  book  of  the  county  society,  as  well  as  those 
of  the  branches,  will  usually  be  accessible  to  him,  and  the  treasurers 
will  often  be  glad  of  his  assistance  in  straightening  their  accounts. 
He  will,  of  course,  be  as  ready  to  point  out  errors  against  the  treas- 
urer as  against  the  society,  and  should  be  "  eagle-eyed  "  in  detecting 
mistakes  on  either  side.     He  should  see  that  the  books  are  char"-ed, 
in  the  county  treasurer's  depositary  account,    at  the   scllinq  prices. 
Some  societies  add  a  tritle  to  the  catalogue  prices  to  cover  the  ex- 
pense of  transportation,    boxes,    &c.  ;    and  even   where  this   is   not 
done,  the  amount  of  the  New  York  bill  is  different  from  the  amount 
of  the  books  at  the   catalogue  prices,  as  the  A.  B.  S.   makes  a  dis- 
count  to  its    auxilaries.     If,    therefore,    merely  the  amount   of  the 
bill  is  charged,  the  society  loses.     It  will  likewise  devolve  upon  the 
agent  to  see   that  whatever  books    are  returned  to  a  treasurer  are 
re-charged  in  his  depositary  account,  as  of  course   they  were  cred- 
ited to  him  when  they  went   out   of  his    hands.     He  should  also  see 
that  all  books  not  otherwise  accounted  for  are  paid  for  in  cash.    This 
remark  applies  to  the  accounts  of  agents  as  well  as  treasurers.    The 
onlyjproper  course  is  for  all  who  receive   books  to  be   charged  with 
whatever  come   into  their  hands,  and  credited  with  all  that  aio  dis- 
posed of  otherwise  than  by  sale.     Then,  when  a  settlement  is  to  be 
made,  add  to  these    credits   the    books    on    hand,  and  subtract  the 
amountlfrom  the  amount  received.     This  will  show  what  have  been 
sold,  which   should   be    credited  to  balance,  and   the  same  amount 
charged  in  the  treasurer's  account  as  cash  for  books  sold.     If  par/. 
of  the  amount  jl has    already  been    credited    and    charged,   then,   of 
course,  only  the  remainder   should   now  be  entered.     Errors  in  ac- 
counts and  loss  to  the  societies  frequently  result  from  an  attempt  to 
keep  an  account  of  the   sales  in  a  depositaiy,  or  by  the   agent,  by 
entering  and   adding   individual  items.     While  thoro  is  no  objection 
to  entering   items  of  sale,   and  while,  in   the    case   of  agents,   both 
traveling  and  local,  it  should  be  done,  yet  it  will  not  answer  to  depend 
upon  this  to  ascertain  the  exact  amount,  for  occasionally  a  book  may 
be  sold  and  the  seller  forget  to  make  an  entry  of  it.     The  only  cor- 
rect plan,  therefore,  as    before   stated,  is  to  make  every  individual 
who  receives  books  responsible   for   the  whole    amount,  and  require 
him  to  pay  for  all  that  he  cannot  show  have  been  disposed  of  other- 
wise than  by  sale. 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  our  system  of  book-keeping  re- 
quires two  entries,  in  different  accounts,  of  all  money  received  or 
books  delivered.  For  instance  :  if  a  branch  treasurer  receives 
money  from  a  local  agent,  he  credits  it  to  that  agent  and  charges  it 
to  himself.  If  he  delivers  books  to  him,  he  credits  himself  and 
charges  the  agent.  So  if  a  county  treasurer  receives  money  from  a 
branch  society,  he  credits  the  society  and  charges  himself.  W  lie 
5 


34 

pays  monpy  to  tho  Amorican  Bible  Socifity,  he  charges  that  society 
and  credits  himself.  One  advantage  of  this  system  is,  that  we  can 
sometimes  correct  errors  in  one  account  by  referring  to  another. 
But  this  plan  requires  the  careful  inspection  of  these  accounts  by 
the  auditor,  for  treasurers  sometimes  receive  money  from  local 
agents  or  branch  societies  and  credit  it  in  their  accounts,  without 
thinking  of  the  importance  of  also  charging  it  to  themselves.  The 
appointment  of  an  auditing  committee  to  inspect  accounts  without 
the  assistance  of  an  agent,  is  generally  of  but  little  use.  Such  a 
committee  seldom  does  much  more  than  to  ascertain  that  the  additions 
and  subtractions  are  correct,  while  an  agent  accustomed  to  our 
method  of  accounts,  and  knowing  Avhat  has  been  done,  will  see  that 
all  necessary  entries  are  made. 

OllDERINi;  BOOKS. 

This  matter  will  require  the  attention  of  tin;  county  agent  in  the 
absence  of  the  general  one.  Without  suggestions  from  an  agent, 
the  executive  committees  frequently  neglect  to  send  for  books  in 
time,  or  if  they  do  order,  they  very  often  make  injudicious  selections. 
A  very  common  ei'ror  is  to  neglect  to  send  in  season  for  the  books 
to  be  used  by  the  I  raveling  agent  irltile  on  the  ground.  Most  of  them 
will  be  needed  at  that  time,  as  he  replenishes  the  depositaries  and 
circulates  personally.  If  he  does  this  properly,  very  few  additional 
ones  will  be  called  for  by  the  branch  societies  until  his  next  visit. 
It  is,  therefore,  generally  unwise  to  order  n  large  supply  at  the  close 
of  his  labors  (though  a  few  may  be  needed),  for  most  of  them  may 
remain  as  idle  capital  in  the  depositary  for  nearly  a  year,  subject  to 
the  risk  of  being  injured  or  destroyed.  But  if  an  agent  passes 
through  a  county  during  th(^  interim  of  his  annual  efforts,  then  will 
be  the  time  to  consult  the  committees  and  see  that  such  books  are 
sent  for  as  will  be  needed  at  the  time  of  the  annual  meetings.  If 
he  does  not  have  this  opportunity,  he  can  correspond  in  relation  t(j 
the  matter. 

Another  error  consists  in  procuring  too  great  a  larictij  of  books, 
thus  perplexing  agents  and  others  with  a  multiplicity  of  prices,  and 
getting  some  kinds  whicli  are  unsaleable.  The  agent's  experience 
will  enable  him  to  recommend  the  proper  kinds. 

Still  another  error  consists  in  ordering  too  large;  a  proportion  of 
books  in  costly  bindings  thus  absorliing  the  resources  of  the  society, 
_  or  plunging  it  into  debt.  The  true  object  of  Bible  societies  is  the 
^14.^  supply  of  the  destitute,  and  if  t4**i  cai)ital  and  the  time  of  their  agents 
are  expended  in  furnishing  high-priced  books  to  the  rich  at  cost,  the 
end  for  which  these  associations  were  organized  is  defeated.  If  the 
American  Bible  Society  adopted  the  plan  of  almost  all  other  pub- 
lishing inslitutious,  and  charged  for  its  books  enough  above  the  cost  of 
manufacture  to  pay  for  their  circulation,  the  case  would  be  different ; 
but  as  they  are  sold  at  about  cost,  and  sometimes  never  paid  for, 
the  more  we  deal  in  high-priced  books,  the  more  we  detract  from 
our  ability  to  supply  the  destitute.  Hence  those  who  want  them 
had  better  purchase  of  booksellers,  who  make  a  prolit  and  can  afford 
to  sell  them.  While,  therefore,  it  may  be  well  to  have  a  few  books 
in  fancy  bindings  for  the  accommodation  of  those  who  may  call  at  the 
county  depositary,  the  bulk  of  the  order  should  Ije  made  up  of  the 
plainer  kinds.     A  good  supply  of  cheap  Bibles  and  Testaments,  for 


:^.5 

gratuitous  distribution,  ought  atuucijs  to  hci  on  iiand.  These  we 
must  have,  while,  although  it  is  well  to  be  supplied  with  other 
kinds,  the  distribution  need  not  lie  suspended  if  we  happen  to  be 
out  of  them. 

Sometimes  a  few  books  are  needed  for  immediate  use  sooner  than 
they  can  be  obtained  from  New  York.  In  such  cases,  if  there  is  no 
general  depositary  on  the  field,  a  supply  can  usually  be  obtained 
from  some  neighboring  society.  Where  this  is  done,  unless  they 
are  paid  for  or  returned  the  amount  should  be  reported  to  the  treas- 
urer of  the  parent  society,  who  will  credit  it  to  one  auxiliary  and 
charge  it  to  the  other. 

ADDRESSES,  &c. 
Much  depends  upon  an  agent  making  a  good  impression  by  his 
public  speaking.     And  yet,  perhaps  not  so  much  upon  his  abiiitj/  to 
interest  a  congregation  as  upon  his  pursuing  llie  right  covrse.     The 
following  suggestions  are  therefore  offered  : 

1st,  Addresses  should  he  well  prepared.  No  one  should  go  before  a 
congregation  on  behalf  of  an  important  object  without  some  previous 
preparation.  It  is  well  to  lorite  lectures  occasionally — not  that  they 
must  be  read ;  indeed,  it  is  generally  best  to  speak  extempore,  es- 
pecially to  congregations  not  accustomed  to  written  discourses. 
But  whether  they  are  read  or  not,  they  should  be  studied  beforehand 
■ — should  be  well  arranged,  and  filled  with  thought  and  facts.  The 
long  winter  evenings,  when  not  otherwise  occupied,  will  furnish  op- 
portunities for  us  to  prepare  them.  We  never  spend  these  long 
winter  evenings  in  social  chit-clfat,  but  are  always  busy  with  pen 
and  paper. 

2d.  They  slioidd  he  appropriate  and  tc  the  point.  The  plan  of 
choosing  a  text  and  preaching  a  sermon  about  something  else, 
merely  alluding  to  your  work  at  the  close  is  unjust  to  the  audience 
and  to  the  cause  which  you  profess  to  plead.  People  expect  an  agent 
to  address  them  on  the  subject  of  his  agency,  and  a  Bible  agent 
needs  the  whole  time  to  present  the  objects,  plans,  fields,  results, 
&c.,  of  Bible  society  efforts.  He  should,  therefore,  dash  into  his 
subject  at  once,  and  if  ho  can  not  do  so  from  a  text,  he  had  better 
dispense  with  its  use, 

Jkl.  TItey  should  he  brief,  seldom  exceeding  thirty  or  fort}'  min- 
utes in  length.  Jf  they  are  too  long,  the  interest  of  the  congrega- 
tion flags — they  become  impatient,  and  the  object  of  the  discourse  is 
defeated.  Besides  considerable  time  will  I^e  required  at  the  close 
of  the  address  for  explanations  and  subscriptions,  and  it  is  important 
that  the  latter  lie  taken  l»efore  any  have  become  wearied  and  left 
the  house. 

The  explanutions  should  be  clear  and  compridu-nsive,  and  yet  as 
brief  as  is  consistent.  The  design,  nature,  time  of  payment,  &c., 
of  the  subscriptions,  should  be  fully  set  forth.  All  should  be  in- 
vited to  pay  at  the  time  who  can,  and  others  should  be  informed 
publicly  to  whom  their  pc'iymcnts  can  be  made. 

We  should  insist  upon  having  the  names  of  all  who  contribute,  and 
never,  unless  in  very  i:)eculiar  circumstances,  take  a  mere  public 
collection.  Such  collections  seldom  amount  to  much,  and  they  pre- 
vent individuals  giving  respectable  sums.  Most  persons  will  pay 
three  or  four  times  as  much  if  they  write  their  names,  as  thev  will  if 


3^ 

tbey  coutribute  without  iloinj^  so.  .Moreover,  we  want  to  .secure  au- 
uual  subscriptions,  so  fur  as  iiossiblc,  which  may  be  relied  on  for  an 
income  hereafter,  and  hence  need  the  names  of  these  who  give  such, 
whether  they  are  paid  at  the  time  or  not. 

In  taking  pledges  in  public  congregations  it  is  necessary  that  the 
agent  should  exercise  some  supervision  and  generalship.  It  will 
hardly  answer  for  him  to  sit  down  in  the  pulpit  and  leave  tlmse  whu 
circulate  the  papers  to  take  their  own  course.  He  should  he  down 
among  them,  supply  them  with  cards  and  pencils,  assign  them  ti) 
ditierent  tiers  of  slips,  caution  tiiom  to  write  the  full  names,  and 
plainly  ;  to  mark  all  paid  that  should  be,  to  proceed  slou-ly  and  give 
all  a  chance,  &c.  Some  men  will  pass  through  a  congregation  in 
great  haste,  merely  holding  the  papers  at  the  people  as  they  pass 
along,  and  return  without  anything,  while  others  will  go  to  each  in- 
dividual personally,  use  a  little  persuasion,  and  meet  with  good  suc- 
cess. AYe  have  subscription  cards  for  use  in  public  congregations, 
but  if  you  are  not  supplied  with  them,  slips  of  common  paper  will 
answer. 

Sometimes  men  who  succeed  well  in  their  week-day  labors,  and 
can  also  make  a  good  statement  in  pul)lic,  are  not  qualified  to  address 
fastidious  congregations.  When  this  is  the  case  with  an  agent,  he 
ought  to  be  conscious  of  it,  and  secure  the  presentation  of  the  cause 
by  the  pastor,  while  ho  attends  to  make  such  remarks  as  may  be 
necessary  at  the  close,  and  superintend  the  subscriptions.  Unless 
he  is  a  good  public  speaker,  this  will  often  be  better  than  for  him  to 
deliver  a  regular  address. 

Some  of  the  agents  may  occupy  their  fields  for  several  years,  but 
of  course  will  wish  to  avoid  saying  things  twice  to  the  same  con- 
gregation. Hence  it  will  be  well  to  keep  a  record  of  the  skele- 
tons used  at  each  place  for  future  reference. 

We  are  frequently  meeting  with  statistics  and  incidents  appro- 
priate to  Bible  addresses,  and  yet  many  of  them  will  pass  from  our 
minds  unless  they  are  recorded.  It  is  well,  therefore,  to  copy  theni 
into  a  book  and  to  commit  some  of  them  to  memory. 

LARGE  SUBSCRIPTIONS. 

That  the\'  are  needed,  no  one  acquainted  with  the  magnitude  of 
the  work  to  be  accomplished  will  deny.  That  they  might  be  given, 
no  one  who  knows  the  resources  of  the  professed  friends  of  the 
Bible,  and  what  large  sums  they  expend  uselessly  or  hoard  for  their 
injury  and  that  of  their  children,  will  doubt.  "But  the  important 
question  with  us  is,  how  can  large  subscriptions  be  obtained  ?"  We 
reply,  the  way  to  secure  large  sums  is  to  ask  for  them;  and 
although  the  entire  amount  asked  may  seldom  be  granted,  yet  larger 
sums  will  often  be  given  than  if  small  ones  only  were  solicited.  This 
has  been  the  e.xi>erienco  of  almost  every  successful  agent. 

A  former  agent  of  G College  related  that   he   once    obtained 

from  one  man  a  donation  of  8J5,()U0  for  it.  He  laid  before  him  the 
origin,  history,  usefulness,  and  want.s  of  the  institution,  and  then, 
instead  of  inquiring  of  him  what  he  would  give,  asked  him  for 
enough  to  endow  a  profes.sorship  ($I5,0!H)).  The  man  seemed  as- 
tonished at  the  request,  but  dropping  his  head  in  deep  study  he 
thought  for  a  moment,  and  replied,  ''[will  gire  it."'  remarking  that 


37 

he  was  iiulebteil  to  religion  and  tlio  f-hurcli  for  wliat  \w  was.  Said 
the  agent,  "  Had  I  asked  liim  for  a  Imndred  or  iivo  hnndred  dollars, 
that  is  pr<>bal)ly  all  I  should  have  obtained." 

So  in  raising  funds  for  the  Bible  cause.  Ask  a  man  for  llfty  cents 
and  he  will  not  l)e  likely  to  give  more.  But  ask  him  for  thirty,  or 
one  hundred  and  fifty,  or  five  hundred,  ov  one  thousand  d(dlarsi  and 
he  may  give  it,  or  if  he  doe.s  not,  lie  will  be  likely  to  contribute  a 
larger  donation  than  if  wo  solicited  but  a  small  sum  at  first.  Of 
course  we  do  not  mean  that  all  we  have  to  do  is  merely  to  ask.  We 
must  present  motives — must  urge  men  by  the  true  oljject  of  life — by 
the  right  use  of  property — by  the  responsibilities  that  rest  upon 
them — by  the  value  of  the  Bible — by  the  condition  of  the  destitute 
— by  the  worth  of  the  soul,  and  by  other  motives,  to  be  benevolent. 
In  short,  we  must  exhibit  some  skill  in  persuading  men-,  without  which 
we  are  unqualilied  to  be  soliciting  agents.  In  our  applications  it  is 
important  that  wo  present  the  world  as  our  field — a  field  to  be  sup- 
plied with  the  Bible  by  the  present  generation,  and  that  its  accom- 
plishment requires  munificent  contributions.  Instead  of  telling  an 
audience,  or  an  individual,  how  much  good  thirty  or  fifty  cents  will 
do,  it  is  much  better  to  remind  them  of  the  good  that  may  result 
from  tim  contributions  of  //i-e,  i/iir/y,  or  one  hundred  dollars.  We 
must  talk  about  large  sums,  exhibit  the  large  subscriptions  of  others, 
ask  for  large  donatiou.s,  raise  the  ideas  of  those  to  whom  we  apply 
as  high  as  possible,  and  then,  of  course,  take  what  we  can  get,  ex- 
pressing our  thanks  for  the  same,  though  we  may  be  disappointed 
in  the  amount. 

We  have  some  documents  in  relation  to  large  donations  of  money, 
railroad  stock,  notes,  land,  &c.,  which  it  will  be  well  to  send  out 
ahead  of  us  by  mail,  to  prepare  the  way  for  our  applications.  In 
this  case,  it  is  important  to  keep  a  list  of  the  names  of  those  to 
whom  we  send,  and  a  memorandum  of  the  results  of  our  applications, 
so  as  not  to  send  on  apply  to  the  same  persons  twice,  unless  there  is 
hope  of  good  by  so  doing. 

LIFE   MEMBEBS. 

In  accordance  with  the  constitutions  of  the  branch  societies,  five 
dollars  constitutes  a  life  member — the  receiver  of  the  certificate  of 
life  membership  being  entitled  to  a  common  bible  annually  for  dis- 
tribution. You  will  promote  the  interests  of  the  cause,  by  obtaining 
as  many  subscriptions  of  this  size  as  possible,  where  you  cannot 
secure  larger  ones.  If  these  are  payable  annually,  some  friend  of 
each  contributor  can  be  constituted  a  life  member  every  year,  as 
long  as  the  subscription  is  paid.  You  will  be  furnished  with  a  sup- 
ply of  certificates,  and  should  get  the  signatures  of  the  President  or 
Secretary,  or  both,  to  the  requisite  number  if  convenient,  and  if  not, 
sign  them  yourself  as  agent.  The  exhibition  of  them  will  aid  you 
in  obtaining  life  members.  They  should  be  filled  out  by  a  good 
penman,  and  be  delivered  by  j-ourself,  whether  the  subscriptions 
have  been  paid  or  not,  as  there  will  be  but  little  danger  of  their 
being  used  to  draw  books  with,  until  payment  is  made,  as  their  pos- 
session may  prompt  payment,  and  as,  if  left  with  others  to  be  deliv- 
ered, they  may  never  be  received.  It  will  bo  well  for  you  to  suggest 
to  subscribers  of  five   dollars   the    idea  of  cnustituting    members  of 


88 

their  families,  or  otlier  friends,  instead  of  themselves  life  members. 
tis,  if  they  constitute  themselves  such,  they  may  after^vards  plead 
their  life  membership  as  an  excuse  for  not  giving. 

Ten  dollars   sometimes  constitutes  a  life  member  of  a  county  so- 
ciety.    AVheu  this  is  the   case,  it  will   be  well  to  obtain  such  sums 
whenever  practicable,  and  especially  at  the  county  seat  and  vicinity, 
where  there  is  generally  no  branch.     lUank  certiiicates  for  such  life 
members  can   be   obtained  from   New  York,  or  if  not  convenient  to 
get  them,  those  designed  for  life  members  of  branches  will  answer. 
Thirlij  dollars   constitutes   a  life   member  of  the  American   Bible 
Society,  with  the  privilege  of  drawing,  for  distribution,  one  dollar's 
worth  of  Bibles  or  Testaments   annually,  and  receiving  the  Annual 
Report  and  Bible  Society  Record.     It  will  be  the  duty  of  the  agent 
to  secure  as  many  subscriptions  of  this  size  as  possible,  and   to  ask 
for  them  whenever  there  is  the  least  probability  of  obtaining  them. 
You  will   be   aided  very  much    in  this    eifort  by  having  a  specimen 
certificate   to   exhibit,  which  will   be   sent  to  you  on   application  to 
Henry  Fisher,   Bible  House,   Astor  Place,   New  York,     Where  the 
cash  cannot  be  obtained  to  constitute    life   members  of  the   Parent 
Society  at  the  time,  pledges  may  be  taken  and  sent  to  the  general 
agent,  and  if  a  subscriber  is  unwilling  to  pledge  thirty  dollars,  paya- 
ble at  once,  it  may  be  conditioned  to  be  paid  in  two  or  three  annual 
installments.     These   notes   should   always  be   dated,  the  name  and 
post-office  of  the  individual  to  be  constituted  a  life  member  inserted, 
and  the  post-oftice,  county,  and    state  of  the   signer,  written   at  the 
top  or  bottom  of  the  pledge.     The  subscribers  should  ba  instructed 
to  forward  the  installments,  as  fast  as  they  become  due,  to  the  gen- 
eral agent  for  the  State,  or  to  the  treasurer  at  New  York  ;  and  that 
when  the  last  installment  is  paid,  the   certificate  will   be  forwarded 
by  mail. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  constitutes  a  life  director  of  the  A. 
B.  S.,  and  you  wiH,  perhaps,  be  able  to  secure  some  payments  or 
pledges  of  this  amount. 

Y'^ou  will  do  well,  also,  to  suggest,  on  proper  occasions,  that  the 
A.  B.  S.  will  be  glad  to  receive  legacies  for  the  furtherance  of  its 
important  work,  and  to  inquire  of  Judges  of  Probate,  or  Registers, 
whether  they  have  wills  in  their  possession  in  which  the  Bible  So- 
ciety is  interested. 

As  before  stated,  life  members  and  directors  of  the  parent  society 
are  entitled  to  the  Annual  Reports  and  to  a  certain  amount  of  book- 
every  year.  The  former,  on  account  of  the  expense  of  postage,  are 
not  often  sent,  unless  applied  for,  though  they  can  sometimes  be 
obtained  at  the  county  depositaries.  The  hooks  can  always  be  ob- 
tained there,  when  more  convenient  than  to  get  them  from  New 
York.  But  in  such  cases,  the  amount  drawn,  with  the  names  of  tin- 
drawers,  should  be  reported  to  the  treasurer  of  the  A.  B.  S.,  so  that 
the  auxiliary  may  bo  properly  credited.  It  should  be  made  known 
to  members  of  the  parent  society,  and  of  its  auxiliaries  and  branches, 
that  the  books  to  be  drawn  are  of  the  cheaper  kinds,  for  distribution 
to  the  destitute,  and  not  for  their  own  use,  or  as  presents  to  friends 
already  supplied. 

The  books  to  which  life  member*  of  brunches,  and  subscribers  of 
one    dollar  or  more,   are     entitled,    can    be    drawn    from   the    de- 


39 

positories  of  the  societies  of  whicli  they  are  meinber.s.  It  is 
better  that  they  should  ^et  thorn  there  than  to  receive  them  from 
the  agent.  If  they  are  not  sufficiently  anxious  to  obtain  them  to  pjo 
to  the  depositary  for  the  purpose,  they  will  hardly  be  likely  to  dis- 
pose of  them  judiciously  if  placed  in  their  hands. 

CHILDREN'S   BIBLE  FUND. 

The  Americaa  lUblc  Society  devotes  a  small  portion  of  the  "Re- 
cord" to  a  "  Children's  Department."  and  acknowledges  donations 
to  the  "Children's  Bible  Fund."  It  is  very  desirable  to  interest 
children  in  the  work  of  spreading  the  Scriptures,  not  only  on  account 
of  the  amount  which  may  l)e  realized  from  tliem  now,  but  on  account 
of  the  good  which  will  result  to  them,  and  that  they  may  be  trained 
to  contribute  cheerfully  and  regularly  hei-eafter.  The  agent  will 
therefore  improve  every  opportunity  of  addressing  Sabbath  Schools, 
and  taking  subscriptions  in  them,  for  the  promotion  of  this  enter- 
l)rise.  These  subscriptions  will  be  left  with  the  Superintendent,  to 
be  collected  by  him  and  forwarded  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  A.  B.  S., 
and  will  be  credited  to  the  Sabbath  School  from  whence  the  money 
came. 

Money  for  the  "  Children's  Bible  Fund," — that  to  constitute  life 
members  of  the  parent  society,  and  that  to  pay  for  the  "  Record," — 
is  sent  directly  to  New  York,  while  all  other  money  (except  for 
signs,  blank  books,  &c.,)  is  paid  to  the  treasurer  of  the  county  society. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  it  is  well  to  get  subscriptions  from  chil- 
dren (with  the  consent  of  their  parents)  at  their  homes,  or  by 
addressing  day  schools  for  five  or  ten  minutes,  and  taking  pledges 
on  the  spot.  They  will  be  pleased  with  the  idea  of  thus  becoming 
members  of  the  society,  and  although  the  sums  may  not  be  large, 
the  results  of  early  giving  may  be  seen  afterwards  in  increased  and 
systematic  contributions.  As  these  small  sums  might  be  used  as 
precedents  for  adults  to  give  small  ones  also,  if  placed  on  the  pages 
with  the  others,  it  will  be  well  to  devote  one  of  the  last  pages  of 
the  book  to  children's  subscriptions,  and  head  it  with  the  pen  ac- 
cordingly. Still,  these  subscriptions  need  not  be  so  very  small,  if 
the  agent  properly  impresses  the  minds  of  parents  and  children 
with  the  magnitude  of  the  object,  and  the  importance  of  liberal  do- 
nations. The  contributions  of  children — except  where  th(^y  give  in 
the  capacity  of  ^abhallL  Schools  —  should  go  into  tlie  treasury  of 
the  local  society,  the  same  as  any  other  money  collected  by  local 
agents. 

THE  RECORD  FOR  LOCAL  AGENTS  AND  OFFICERS  OF 
BRANCHES. 
It  is  very  desirable  that  these  fellow-laborers  should  receive  this 
paper,  that  they  may  be  reminded,  by  its  monthly  reception,  of  their 
duties — that  they  may  be  interested  and  informed  with  regard  to 
the  doings  of  Bible  societies,  and  that  they  may  have  specimens  to 
use  in  obtaining  subscribers  for  the  publication.  At  the  close  ol 
the  effort  in  each  county,  therefore,  the  traveling  agent  will  forward 
their  names  to  Mr.  C  T.  Rowe,  Bible  House,  Astor  Place,  New 
York,  with  a  request  that  he  will  send  the  "  Record"  to  them  for 
one  year.     The  expense  {V2h  cents  per  annum  to  auxiliaries)  will  in 


40 

almost  all  cases  be  cheerfully  assumed  by  those  auxiliaries  ;  and 
after  consulting  the  county  officers,  if  they  do  not  object,  you  can, 
in  ordering  the  papers,  request  Mr.  Rowe  to  charge  them  to  the 
county  society.  If  they  do  object,  you  can  request  him  to  send 
them  free,  and  it  will  be  done.  In  case  they  are  to  be  charged  to 
the  auxiliary,  the  amount  (which  will  be  as  many  times  124  cents  as 
there  are  agents  and  ofiicers  in  the  county,)  should  be  credited 
to  the  A.  B.  S.  in  its  account  on  the  county  treasurer's  book,  that 
this  may  correspond  with  the  accounts  in  New  York. 

Some  complaint  has  been  made  at  the  Bible  House  that  the  names 
and  post-offices  of  those  for  whom  the  "Record"  is  ordered,  are 
written  so  illegibly  that  they  cannot  be  deciphered.  Also,  that  the 
names  of  subscribers  who  have  paid  for  the  paper  are  mixed  with 
those  of  local  agents  and  otliers  who  receive  it  at  the  cost  of  the 
county  society,  so  that  it  is  difficult  to  know  how  much  to  charge. 
We  must  try  to  guard  against  both  of  these  complaints  hereafter. 
It  will  be  well,  in  ordering  '•  Records,"  to  state  the  number  to  be 
charged  to  the  county  society,  the  number  which  have  been  paid  for 
by  subscribers,  and  the  number  expected  gratuitously. 

ADDITIONAL  COUNTY  AGENTS. 
There  will  frequently  be  openings  for  new  county  agents,  and 
those  who  are  already  in  the  field,  and  know  what  qualifications  are 
needed,  can  aid  the  general  agent  very  much  in  securing  the  re- 
quisite number  of  efficient  fellow-laborers.  You  will,  therefore, 
confer  a  favor  by  suggesting  the  agency  to  such  as  you  deem  quali- 
fied for  it,  and  putting  those  who  wish  to  engage,  in  communication 
with  the  agent  of  the  parent  society.  15ut  whoever  inti'oduces  an 
agent  into  this  work,  touches  chords  that  will  vibrate  for  weal  or  woe 
forever,  and  hence  great  caution  should  be  used  not  to  recommend 
men  who  are  unfit  for  the  office. 

COMPLAINTS  OF  PREDECESSORS. 
While  engaged  in  your  labors,  you  will  occasionally  hear  C(Mn- 
plaints  of  former  agents  and  their  operations.  Your  good  sense 
and  your  experience  will  teach  you  to  pay  but  little  attention  to 
these  complaints.  They  often  arise  from  a  misunderstanding  of  the 
facts,  and  were  the  individual  against  whom  they  are  ui'ged  on  the 
ground,  he  would  be  able  to  explain  his  conduct  satisfactorily.  You 
will,  therefore,  instead  of  assenting  to  the  justice  of  these  com- 
plaints, and  joining  the  defamcrs  of  your  predecessor,  explain  his 
conduct,  and  apologise  for  him  so  far  as  is  consistent  with  truth  and 
propriety,  remembering  that  you  may  in  turn  be  assailed,  and  the 
cause  and  yourself  need  the  like  favor  from  your  successor. 

PRINTING. 

Editors  and  publishers  are  generally  willing  to  make  subscriptions 
of  five,  ten,  or  thirty  dollars  each,  payable  in  printing.  We  thus 
get  much  of  our  job  printing  done  without  expense  to  the  society. 
You  will  please  solicit  such  subscriptions  where  you  cannot  get 
them  payable  in  money,  and  when  successful,  ascertain  the  cost  of 
a  certain  job,  leave  a  specimen  of  tin;  papers  which  you  wish  printed, 
and  get  them  before   leaving  the   county.     Almost   any  one  of  our 


41 

numerous  kinds  will  come  in  use,  hut  the  subscription  and  transcri- 
bing books  are  usually  printed  in  Ira-ge  ([uantities,  aqd  furnished  by 
the  general  agent.  If  possible,  you  should  read  (with  great  care) 
and  correct  the  proof-sheet  of  your  job,  as  otherwise,  when  you 
receive  the  papers,  you  may  he  mortified  by  the  numerous  errors  in 
them.  Such  of  these  papers  as  you  do  not  need  for  jour  own  use, 
should  be  delivered  to  the  general  agent.  Such  kinds  as  you  expect 
to  receive  from  him,  should  be  applied  for  in  time,  so  that  they  may 
reach  you  before  you  are  entirely  out,  and  all  that  you  will  need 
for  some  time  ahead  should  be  applied  for  at  the  same  time,  so  as  to 
save  expense.  Small  packages  can  ])e  best  sent  by  mail,  and  large 
ones  by  express. 

COUNTY  AGENTS'  POST  OFFICES. 
These  should  be  the  county  seats,  or  the  head-quarters  of  the 
respective  County  Bible  Societies  for  which  they  labor.  They  will 
be  ofteuer  at  these  places  than  at  any  other,  and  can  send  there 
frequently  from  different  parts  of  the  county.  If  they  undertake  to 
receive  their  communications  at  various  post  ofBces,  they  may  fail  to 
reach  these  offices  until  after  they  have  left  the  vicinity,  and  thus  cause 
embarrassment.  The  General  Agent  will  therefore  address  you  at  the 
post  office  where  the  County  Depository  is  located,  and  it  will  be 
well  for  you  to  request  other  correspondents  to  do  the  same.  Rolls. 
packages  and  papers  should  be  inquired  for  as  well  as  letters,  and 
their  reception  acknowledged.  When  you  leave  the  county,  a  note 
should  be  left  with  the  P.  M.,  requesting  him  to  forward  mail  matter 
to  your  next  post  office. 

CORRESPONDENCE  WITH  THE  GENERAL  AGENT. 
As  the  Agent  of  the  Parent  Society  has  the  general  supervision 
of  the  entire  field,  and  is  responsible  for  its  proper  cultivation,  a 
brisk  correspondence  should  be  kept  up  between  him  and  the  County 
Agents.  He  should  also  receive  the  reports  or  abbreviated  books 
from  them  promptly,  so  that  he  may  know  what  they  are  doing,  and 
make  the  necessary  suggestions  in  reply.  Unless  he  does  receive  them 
promptly,  one  of  the  principal  objects  of  sending  them  at  all  is  lost. 
One  should,  therefore,  be  mailed  to  him  immediately  after  the  com- 
pletion of  the  work  in  each  branch  society,  with  a  letter  conveying 
additional  information.  These  letters  will,  of  course,  be  replied  to 
if  necessary,  but  the  non-reception  of  replies  should  not  prevent 
the  regular  transmission  of  transcribing  books  and  letters  as  often 
as  once  or  twice  a  week.  A  memorandum  should  be  kept  by  the 
County  Agent  of  the  books  forwarded,  so  that  he  may  know  when 
all  have  been  sent.  It  is  true  that  the  County  Agent  receives  his 
salary  from  the  County  Societies,  but  this  should  make  no  difference 
with  his  intercourse  v/ith  the  Agent  of  the  Parent  Society,  for  the 
former  is  most  likely  indebted  to  the  latter  for  his  situation,  and  the 
County  Committees  and  General  Agent  are  supposed  to  work  in  har- 
mony. Besides,  no  General  Agent  can  carry  out  any  plan  on  his 
field  unless  he  has  the  co-operation  of  his  fellow-laborers,  and  knows 
what  they  are  doing.  As  he  gives  himself  wholly  to  the  work,  he 
is,  of  course,  better  prepared  to  supervise  the  labors  of  the  County 
Agents  than  are  the  Executive  Committees  ;  and  as  this  supervision 
Q 


4:2 

i.s  designed  for  the  benefit  of  both  Agents  and  Societies,  all  parties 
generally  assent  to  it  cheerfully.  Even  if  the  Superintendent  has 
occasion  sometimes  to  point  out  errors,  it  should  not  give  offence,  as 
all  are  liahle  to  commit  them,  and  "  those  who  tell  us  our  faults  may 
be  our  best  friends."  In  addition  to  the  results  of  the  Agent's  la- 
bors, there  are  many  other  things  connected  with  the  Bible  cause 
which  the  Superintendent  needs  to  know,  and  which  will  occur  to 
the  County  Agents  when  penning  their  communications.  Especially 
should  they  report  the  doings  ofeach  County  meeting  or  Committee 
meeting  which  they  attend  and  the  General  Agent  does  not,  and 
after  each  County  annual  meeting,  send  him  the  names  of  all  new 
officers,  including  the  Vice  Presidents  and  Directors.  When  letters 
are  written  to  the  General  Agent,  his  unanswered  ones  should  be  re- 
read, and  the  information  which  he  has  requested  in  them  communi- 
cated. 

THE   BIBLE  AGENT  A  HOME  MISSIONARY. 

While  we  are  intent  on  raising  funds  for  the  Bible  cause,  we  must 
remember  that  this  is  not  our  whole  duty.  There  is  not  only  a  busi- 
ness part,  but  a  missionary  part  to  our  work.  The  ultimate  object 
is  to  do  good.  Hence,  while  funds  must  be  raised,  every  Agent  is 
expected  to  pay  particular  attention  to  the  circulation  of  books, 
and  especially  to  the  supply  of  the  destitute.  Notwithstanding  all 
that  has  been  done  in  previous  years,  there  are  probably  one  million 
of  families,  or  five  millions  of  individuals  in  our  country  destitute 
of  an  entire  cojiy  of  the  Scriptures,  many  of  whom  will  remain  in 
this  condition,  unless  sought  out  and  supplied  by  Agents.  We 
must,  therefore,  be  particular  to  inquire  into  the  wants  of  families 
wiih  regard  to  the  Scriptures,  and  see  that  they  are  supplied  by 
sale  or  gift.  We  must  be  sure  that  every  family  has  a  %ohole  Bible, 
and,  in  addition  to  this,  that  ever}'-  domestic,  or  boarder,  or  child, 
able  to  read,  has  either  a  Bible  or  Testament  of  his  or  her  own.  It 
will  not  answer  to  make  the  circulation  of  books  a  mere  incidental 
matter.  We  must  exhibit  them,  and  explain  the  extent  to  which  the 
Society  wishes  to  go  in  the  supply. 

In  addition  to  the  circulation  of  books,  we  can  do  much  good  by 
speaking  of  their  value,  urging  their  perusal  and  a  conformity  to 
their  requirements,  especially  when  placed  in  the  hands  of  children. 
We  can  also  do  much  good  by  religious  conversation  and  prayer, — 
especially  in  families  whose  hospitalities  we  share,  and  in  those  who 
are  destitute  of  religious  privileges — by  speaking  in  Conference 
meetings — by  addressing  Sabbath  Schools,  and  by  improving  the 
hourly  opportunities  of  usefulness  with  which  we  are  favored.  We 
enjoy  opportunities  of  usefulness  such  as  are  possessed  by  few — 
and  these  golden  opportunities  of  making  our  fellow  men  better  and 
happier,  fully  compensate  for  the  privations  and  hardships  connected 
with  our  work.  Hence,  one  of  the  most  important  qualifications  for 
a  Bible  Agent  is  ardent  piety — not  ostentatious,  and  yet  so  perva- 
ding that  it  will  be  manifested  to  all  with  whom  he  comes  in  contact. 
Such  an  individual  will  accomplish  much  good  in  addition  to  the  cir- 
culation of  the  Sdriptures,  and  in  his  succeeding  visits  will  be  wel- 
comed by  Christians  to  their  homes  and  their  confidence.  We  m.ay 
be  very  successful  as  Agents,  so  far  as  appears  upon  paper,  and  yet 
if  we  have   not  manifested  the  spirit  of  Christ  in  our  labors — if  we 


43 

liave  not  left  the  impression  that  we  ai-e  good  men,  striving  to  do 
good,  it  might  have  lieon  better  for  the  cause  if  we  had  never  been 
connected  with  it.  But  whih?  it  is  important  to  do  good  personally, 
it  is  not  best  to  have  long  conversations  with  those  who  cavil  with 
regard  to  the  Bible  or  the  Bible  cause.  Wo  cannot  afford  the  time, 
and  such  conversations  seldom  result  in  much  good.  We  had  better 
leave  a  tract  for  them  to  peruse  after  we  have  gone,  while  we  spend 
our  time  where  our  efforts  v.'ill  not  be  in  vain. 

Permanence,  Perseverance  and  Devotion  to  the  Work. — 
It  is  very  important  that  those  who  labor  in  the  Bible  cause  on  the 
plan  heretofore  proposed,  should  make  the  agency  a  business  for  at 
least  some  years,  if  not  a  profession  for  life.  The  cause  suffers  bv 
frequent  changes  of  agents.  The  Bible  work,  as  well  as  almost  any 
other,  requires  experience.  After  having  secured  and  initiated  an 
agent  for  a  field,  we  want  to  feel  that  it  is  provided  for.  for  future 
years,  as  well  as  the  present.  He  can  frequently  do  better  on  it  in 
succeeding  years  than  the  first,  on  account  of  his  acquaintance  with 
the  people,  and  the  geography  of  the  country,  as  well  as  on  account 
of  his  increased  acquaintance  with  the  work. 

Especially,  do  we  need  to  depend  upon  agents  to  fulfill  their 
engagements.  There  seems,  sometimes,  to  be  a  want  of  feeling  of 
moral  obligation  to  do  as  agreed.  We  have  been  sorely  perplexed, 
and  the  Bible  cause  very  much  injured  by  agents  violating  their 
engagements  and  leaving  their  work  before  the  completion  of  coun- 
ties which  they  had  agreed  to  canvass.  On  some  occasions,  after 
having  spent  much  valuable  time  in  preparing  the  way  for  agents 
and  instructing  them  with  regard  to  their  duties,  and  after  having 
made  2'>ositivc  arrangements  with  them  to  perform  the  work  in  cer- 
tain counties  and  depended  upon  them  to  do  it,  they  have  suddenly 
left  without  any  seeming  compunctions  of  conscience  or  regard  for 
the  obligations  which  they  had  assumed,  and  we  have  been  under 
the  necessity  of  letting  the  machinery  stop  until  we  could  find  and 
initiate  another  man,  and  then  have  it  managed  by  an  inexperienced 
agent.  The  proper  time  to  resign,  if  at  all,  is  at  the  close  of  an 
effort  in  a  county,  and  not  in  the  midst  of  it.  We  must  therefore 
remind  those  who  lack  perseverance,  and  who  are  disposed  to  change 
their  employments  frequently,  that  after  having  agreed  to  canvass  a 
county,  it  is  for  their  own  interests,  as  well  as  for  those  of  the 
Society,  that  they  complete  their  engagements,  unless  honorably 
released.  Otherwise  the  Society  will  bo  under  no  moral  or  legal 
obligation  to  pay  even  for  the  time  actually  spent.  The  injury  to 
the  cause  will  frequently  be  as  much  as  his  time  was  worth.  If 
unforseen  circumstances  render  it  impossible  for  an  agent  to  proceed, 
there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  getting  released,  and  receiving  pay  for 
the  labor  previously  performed.  But  the  mere  fact  of  a  disinclina- 
tion to  labor  in  tl»e  cause,  or,  of  an  opportunity  to  secure  more 
lucrative  employment,  will  hardly  be  considered  a  sufficient  reason 
for  allowing  the  work  to  stop,  or  committing  it  to  a  now  man. 

It  is  also  important  that  agents  should  arrange  their  affairs  so  as 
to  devote  themselves  wholly  to  the  work.  If  their  attention  is  divi- 
ded between  their  own  business  and  that  of  the  Society,  both  will 
be  likely  to   suffer.     We  generally   ne^d,   and  can  find   employment 


44 

for  good  agents  tliroughout  the  entire  year,  and  they  will  find  it  for 
their  pecuniary  interests,  as  well  as  for  the  good  of  the  Bible  cause, 
to  have  as  few  deductions  from  their  salaries  on  account  of  absence 
from  the  work  as  possiltle. 

PUNCTUALITY. 

Our  system  makes  it  necessary  that  our  appointments  be  made 
weeks  or  months  beforehand,  Jind  that  our  work  in  each  Society 
should  be  performed  at  a  particular  time,  and  not  merely  when  it 
happens  to  be  convenient.  If  that  time  passes  by,  there  is  no  other 
for  it,  as  the  remainder  of  the  yqhv  is  assigned  to  other  places. 
Moreover,  athei*  machinery  is  so  connected,  that  the  failure  of  a 
single  wheel  to  perform  its  part,  may  derange  the  operations  of 
many  others.  Hence,  when  an  agent  has  engaged  to  be  at  certain 
places  at  certain  times,  no  slight  obstacle  should  deter  him.  li' 
home  is  to  be  visited,  or  business  attended  to,  it  must  be  provided 
for  in  the  programme.  And  when  the  programme  is  made,  a  little 
rain,  or  cold,  or  mud,  must  not  prevent  his  filling  it.  It  is  well  for 
agents  to  be  provided  with  covered  vehicles,  so  as  to  be  able  to 
travel  in  all  kinds  of  weather.  In  case  of  the  sickness  of  an  agent,  the 
best  arrangement  possible  should  be  made  to  keep  up  with  the  work. 
Sometimes  he  can  get  a  good  man  to  take  his  place  for  a  few  days, 
laboring  under  his  supervision  and  receiving  his  wages.  But  in 
such  case,  if  he  can  remain  in  the  county  until  he  recovers,  and 
superintend  the  operations  of  his  assistant,  on  the  ground,  it  will 
generally  be  better  than  to  travel  fifty  or  one  hundred  miles  to  reach 
his  home,  thus  exposing  himself  in  his  journey  and  leaving  the 
cause  to  suffer  during  his  absence. 

CONVEYANCES. 

In  portions  of  the  country  snow  frequently  falls  to  such  a  depth 
as  to  make  it  difficult  to  proceed  with  a  buggy,  and  yet  does  not 
remain  long  enough  to  render  it  safe  to  venture  far  with  a  cutter,  or 
to  depend  long  upon  it.  In  such  cases  the  best  course  is  to  get 
plank  runners  (which  can  be  made  after  the  snow  falls  in  a  few 
hours,  and  at  trifling  expense,)  and  attach  the  buggy,  box  and  thills 
to  them.  When  the  sleighing  leaves',  the  runners  can  be  sold  or 
abandoned  without  much  loss,  and  the  use  of  the  wheels  resumed. 
In  other  portions  farther  south,  the  difficulty,  especially  during  the 
winter  and  spring,  is  on  account  of  the  mud  which  for  weeks  to- 
gether, renders  it  impossible  to  travel  with  speed  or  pleasure. 
Hence,  the  agent  should  be  provided  witli  a  pair  of  large  saddle- 
bags as  before  suggested,  and  go  on  horseback  whenever  necessary-. 
In  this  way  he  can  with  less  detriment  to  his  horse,  frequently  visit 
twice  as  many  families  in  a  day,  and  accomplish  twice  as  much  for 
the  cause  as  if  he  attempted  to  drag  his  buggy  through  the  mud. 
Sometimes  it  may  be  best  to  leave  the  buggy  at  the  county  seat, 
and  sometimes  for  the  sake  of  replenishing  the  depositories  and 
saddle-bags,  to  take  it  from  one  branch  Society  to  another,  leaving 
it  with  the  Treasurer  while  visiting  difi'erent  parts  of  the  Society  on 
horseback.  But  whenever  the  state  of  the  roads  will  permit,  it 
will  be  better  to  travel  with  a  buggy  or  on  runners,  not  only  foi-"  the 


45 

purpose  of  oarryincr  a  larp^or  supply  of  liooks,  but  the  local  an:ents 
also. 

MAPS. 

A  pjood  outlino  map  of  each  county  is  essential  for  the  guidance 
of  the  agent  in  his  work.  It  can  be  best  commenced  at  the  count}' 
seat,  where  the  necessary  information  can  be  obtained,  and  where  a 
county  map  can  generally  be  copied  from.  It  should  show  the  con- 
gressional townships,  names  and  boundaries  of  the  towns  or  precincts, 
names  and  bounds  of  the  Bible  Societies,  when  different  from  those 
of  the  towns,  the  head  quarters  of  the  same,  with  the  school  dis- 
tricts, the  villages,  principal  streams,  &c.  The  head  quarters  of 
the  Societies  and  the  names  or  numbers  and  boundaries  of  thi- 
school  districts,  can  be  ascertained  and  marked  from  information 
which  you  obtain  wliile  visiting  the  branches.  Tlie  paper  should  be 
large  enough  to  admit  noting  all  these  things  upon  it  plainly.  Sucli 
a  map  will  be  of  great  use  to  you  and  your  successors,  and  should 
l)e  consulted  often.  It  will  guide  you  in  reaching  the  Treasurer 
and  local  agents  of  each  Society  with  the  least  travel,  and  will 
enable  you  to  know  what  school  districts  should  be  provided  for  and 
visited.  A  copy  of  this  should  be  forwarded  to  the  General  Agent, 
while  the  original  should  be  kept  safely  with  the  transcribing  books, 
and  handed  over  with  them  when  you  discontinue  your  labors. 

ARTICLES  FOR  THE  PRESS. 

The  editors  of  newspapers,  secular  as  well  as  religious,  are  gen- 
erally willing  to  lend  the  use  of  their  columns  for  the  promotion  of 
the  Bible  cause.  Such  Agents  as  are  qualified  to  write  for  the  pub- 
lic should  adopt  this  method  of  increasing  their  usefulness.  In 
addition  to  programmes  and  notices,  it  will  be  well  to  publish,  occa- 
sionally, brief  articles  in  relation  to  our  work.  Sucli  articles,  if 
properly  prepared,  will  serve  as  a  favorable  introduction  to  the  peo- 
ple, and  pave  the  way  for  calls  upon  them.  But  care  should  be 
exercised,  as  otherwise  they  may  do  more  harm  than  good.  They 
should  not  be  of  a  nature  to  give  offence  or  provoke  controversy. 
Especial  care  should  be  exercised  in  the  preparation  of  the  reports 
of  meetings  and  the  doings  of  societies.  Instead  of  a  verbatim  re- 
port, embracing  all  the  dry  details,  it  is  much  better  to  write  a  gen- 
eral article,  bringing  out  such  facts,  and  sucli  only  as  are  calculated 
to  make  a  good  impression  on  behalf  of  our  cause. 

EFFORTS  AMONG  FOREIGNERS. 
The  number  of  European  immigrants  in  the  United  States,  and 
their  destitution  of  the  Scriptures— the  good  resulting  from  their 
circulation  among  them,  and  the  willingness  of  such  as  aro  Protest- 
ants to  contribute  for  their  circulation,  justify  increased  attention 
from  us.  The  Protestants  are  almost  universally  willing  to  con- 
tribute to  the  Bible  cause,  when  it  is  properly  explained  to  them. 
Although  their  gifts  are  not  large,  yet  a  larger  proportion  of  tliem 
subscribe  than  in  congregations  of  Americans.  Tlie  proper  way  to 
present  the  cause  to  them  by  those  who  cannot  speak  their  language, 
is  to  make  some  explanatory  statements  in  English  (which  some  of 
tliem  will  understand)  at  the  close  of  a  sermon  from  their  pastor,  or 


4:0 

in  place  of  it;  then  have  him  follow  you  with  a  similar  statement  in 
the  language  of  the  people  adcli'essod,  and  thou  rirculate  slips  for 
subscriptions.  Such  subscrii^tions  had  better  be  transient  until 
they  become  better  acquainted  with  our  operations.  In  all  places 
where  there  are  foreigners,  we  should  inquire  if  there  are  not  con- 
gregations of  them  which  we  can  address,  and  see  their  pastors  and 
make  arrangements  to  do  so  if  possible.  Nor  should  they  be  neg- 
lected in  our  family  visitations.  If  jiracticable,  one  of  their  own 
number,  who  speaks  also  the  English  language,  should  accompany 
us  on  these  occasions.  We  shall  thus,  in  addition  to  raising  some- 
thing for  the  cause,  be  able  to  supply  the  Biblical  wants  of  these 
foreigners.  There  is  generally  a  gi;eater  destitution  among  them 
than  among  Americans,  and  hence  their  supply  should  receive  more 
attention.  Unless  already  acquainted,  we  should  always  enquire, 
previous  to  visiting  branch  societies,  whether  there  are  foreigners  in 
them,  for  whom  a  supply  of  Scriptures  should  be  taken  out. 

SUPPLY  OF  CRIMINAL  AND   HUMANE  INSTITUTIONS. 

There  is  generally  in  each  county  a  jail  and  a  poor-house.  The 
inmates  of  these  institutions  require  the  visits  of  the  Bible  Agent 
annually.  No  classes  need  the  Scriptures  more,  and  perhaps  none 
will  be  more  likely  to  be  benfitted  by  them.  We  should  attend 
to  their  supply''  in  every  county  which  we  visit.  ■   * 

CIRCULATION  OF  BIBLES  BY  TRACT  COLPORTEURS 
-     AND    OTHERS. 

Notwithstanding  the  efforts  of  Bible  Societies,  the  Colporteurs  of 
Tract  Societies  usually  find  some  forty  thousand  families,  every 
year,  destitute  of  the  Scriptures.  They  dislike  to  leave  them  in  this 
condition,  and  frequently  apply  to  the  Depositaries  of  County  Bible 
Societies  for  books  for  their  supplj^.  As  there  is  no  danger  of  cir- 
culating too  many  Bibles,  and  as  these  Colporteurs  may  supply  some 
who  would  bo  missed  by  Bible  Agents,  it  is  well  to  encourage -these 
applications  and  to  advise  Bible  Committees  and  Depositaries  to 
furnish  the  needed  books  of  the  cheaper  kind.  But  it  should  be 
understood  that  those  who  circulate  them  are  to  return  to  the  De- 
positories what  are  left,  and  the  money  received  for  those  sold,  with 
a  report  stating  the  disposition  made  of  those  not  returned.  Tlie 
same  remarks  apply  to  applications  of  Pastors  for  books  to  circulate, 
which  should  also  be  encouraged. 

ANNUAL  REPORTS,  &C.,  OF  THE  A.  B.  S. 

The  object  of  these  is  to  diffuse  information  in  relation  to  the  doings  of 
the  Society,  and  increase  an  interest  in  the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures. 
A  few  are  usualy  sent  with  tlie  Bibles  and  Testaments  ordered  to  eat-h 
auxiliary.  Sometimes  a  quantity  is  also  sent  to  the  General  Agent  to  be 
placed  in  the  hands  of  his  fellow-laborers  for  circulation.  These,  together 
with  what  you  may  lind  in  the  County  Depositories  should  be  sold  so  far 
as  practicable,  l)ut  sometimes  given  to  Clergymen  and  other  prominent 
friends  of  the  Society.  The  price  is  25  cts.,  which  about  covers  the  cost. 
When  thty  are  purchased  they  will  be  more  likely  to  he  read  than  if  re- 
ceived without  pa}',  and  the  money  will  help  defray  the  expense  of  publl- 


47 

ration.  If  you  will  ahvays  have  one  of  these  in  your  basket  of  hooks,  and 
exhibit  it,  you  can  sell  many  of  tliem.  Whatever  is  received  for  them 
should  be  sent  to  tlie  General  A^ent,  Avho  will  remit  to  New  York.  In 
addition  to  Reports  you  will  often  find  in  the  County  Depositor}^  other  pu))- 
lications  of  the  A.  1j.  S.  such  as  "  Addresses  at  Anniversaries."  "Bible 
Society  Manuals,"  <tc.,  which  should  be  taken  out  and  distributed  by  you. 
'fhey  are  printed  to  do  good,  but  may  remain  in  tb.e  deiiositorics  until 
destroyed,  unless  circulated  by  the  traveling  agents. 

COUxNiTY    SUMMARIES. 

These  are  designed  to  present  a  concise  view  of  the  doings  of  the  agent 
in  each  branch  Society,  and  also  the  aggregate  results  of  his  laboi-s  in  the 
county.  They  arc  made  out  by  entering  tlie  summaries  of  the  branches  sepa- 
rately, and  adding  them  to  get  the  aggregate.  This  addition  should  al- 
icays  he  made  7>ij  the  County  Ageiit.  To  this  should  >»e  added  what  has 
been  done  by  tlie  local  agents  so  far  as  reported.  In  the  fore  part  of  the 
form  are  blanks  for  his  book  and  cash  accounts,  and  on  the  last  page, 
blanks  for  "items  from  the  County  Treasurer's  account."  One  of  these 
County  Sunnnaries  should  be  be  exhibited  to  the  Secretary  before  the 
annual  meeting,  that  he  may  obtain  item.s  from  it  for  his  report.  This 
should  be  left  with  him  or  the  Treasurer.  Another  should  Ije  forwarded 
to  the  General  Agent  with  the  names  of  all  the  County  Officers,  vtc,  ijii- 
mediately  after  the  meeting.  If  a  County  Agent  attends  semi-annual 
meetings,  or  Labors  in  a  County  during  the  interim  of  annual  ones,  he 
should  also  send  a  County  Summary-,  and  a  copj-  of  book  and  cash  ac- 
count to  the  General  Agent  at  the  close  of  the  effort. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  AMERICAN  BIBLE  SOCIETY. 

A  Bible  Agent  is  supposed  to  know  all  about  Bible  Society  operations, 
and  should  be  able  to  answer  almost  any  question  concerning  them,  which 
may  be  asked.  Hence,  he  will  tind  it  useful  to  have  the  "  History  of  the 
American  Bible  Society',"  written  by  Rev.  W.  P.  Strickland,  formerly  one 
of  the  Society's  Agents,  and  its  general  correctness  endorsed  by  secreta- 
ries Brigham  and  Holdich.  He  will  also  find  its  facts  of  use  in  the  pre- 
paration of  addresses.  It  is  a  large  octavo  volumne,  published  by  the 
Messrs.  Harpers,  New  Y'ork,  and  sold  at  $1,50,  with  perhaps  a  discount 
to  agents. 

MISCELLANEOUS  ITEMS. 

1st.  When  you  settle  with  the  Treasurers  of  Branch  Societies, 
the  papers  in  their  possession,  should  be  examined — such  as  are  of 
no  farther  use,  destroyed,  and  such  as  can  be  used  hereafter,  taken 
into  your  possession. 

2d.  Whatever  printed  papers,  subscription  books,  &c.,  you  have 
left  when  you  discontinue  your  Agency,  should  be  returned  to  the 
General  Agent.  These  papers,  of  course,  cost  money,  and  should 
not  be  wasted  or  lost. 

3d.  Bible  Society  money  should  always  be  kept  separate  from 
the  money  of  the  Agent,  a  different  pocket  being  used  for  each,  so 
t-hat  any  error  in  accounts  can  be  ascertained  by  counting  the  cash 
on  hand. 

4th.  Y"ou  v/ill  sometimes  be  able  to  purchase  Home  Missionary 
drafts  of  Ministers.  It  will  be  well  to  do  so  when  you  can,  the 
draft  being  handed  to  the  Treasurer  instead  of  so  much  money. 


"     48 

5th.  The  time  for  which  you  will  be  expected  to  charge,  will  be 
that  actually  spent  in  the  service  of  the  Society,  not  including  that 
occupied  in  getting  to  the  county,  or  that  spent  out  of  it  after- 
wards. This  is  the  course  pursued  by  Teachers,  Mechanics,  and 
indeed  almost  every  class,  who  are  paid  by  the  week  or  the  month. 

6th.  Your  neccssai'y  traveling  expenses  will  bo  box'ne  by  the 
Society,  but  they  should  be  as  little  as  possible,  and  if  you  take  the 
right  course,  avoiding  public  houses,  yon  will  generally  be  enter- 
tained gratuitously.  It  will  be  better  generally,  to  seek  the  hospi- 
tality of  laymen  than  of  ministers,  for  the  former  are  usually  better 
able  to  afford  it,  and  the  latter  have  much  other  company.  You 
will,  of  course,  endeavor  to  make  yourself  a  welcome  guest,  and 
not  cause  unnecessary  trouble.  If  you  take  care  of  your  horse 
yourself,  he  will  not  only  often  fare  better,  but  those  who  entertain 
you  will  be  better  pleased.  They  will  also  he  better  pleased  if  you 
rise  early  and  commence  at  once  the  duties  of  the  day,  either  by 
writing  or  otherwise,  than  if  you  slumber  until  late,  or  remain  un- 
employed while  meals  are  being  prepared. 

7th.  Y^our  bill  for  expenses  will  include  what  you  pay  for  toll, 
postage,  stationery,  &c.,  but  not  washing. 

8th.  Y'our  wages  can  be  drawn  as  fast  as  earned  if  necessary, 
but  an  agent  should  be  careful  never  to  orerdraw  under  any  circum- 
fitances.  The  amount  of  your  salary  should  not  be  made  too  public, 
if  it  can  with  propriety  be  avoided. 

9th.  The  matter  on  the  printed  papers,  a  s  Avell  as  in  the  "Guide," 
should  not  only  be  read  but  studied,  so  that  you  will  become  per- 
fectly familiar  with  the  -use  to  be  made  of  them.  They  should  bo 
kept  without  being  rumpled,  and  the  different  kinds  in  separate  par- 
cels. It  will  be  much  better  to  carry  them  in  Jlat  packages  than  in 
rolls. 

10th.  Each  Agent  should  have  a  small  book  containing  the  ac- 
counts between  tlie  auxiliaries  on  his  lield  and  the  American  Bible 
Society.  He  should  get  the  Dr.  or  Cr.  balance  at  a  given  date 
from  the  General  Agent  or  the  Treasurer  at  New  Y^ork,  and  after 
entering  it  should  also  charge  the  auxiliary  from  time  to  time,  with 
the  books  and  records  purchased,  and  credit  it  Avith  the  remittances. 
He  can  thus  at  any  time,  inform  the  Society  of  the  state  of  its 
account  at  New  Y'ork. 

11th.  Many  of  our  printed  papers  are  of  the  size  of  a  sheet  of  fools  cap, 
so  folded  as  to  make  IG  pages, — too  large  to  be  enclosed  conveniently  in  a 
common  envelope.  ,  The  General  Agent  v/ill,  therefore,  if  you  request,  fur- 
nish envelopes  the  size  referred  to,  to  1)0  used  in  transmitting  transcribing 
books,  county  summaries,  etc.,  to  him. 

12th.  When  a  Society  has  been  organized,  the  work  in  it  should 
be  completed,  and  the  book  sent  to  the  General  Agent,  before  labor- 
ing much,  if  any,  elsewhere.  It  is  bad  policy  to  go  back  two  or 
three  times  to  linish  up. 

13th.  On  the  transcribing  book  and  abbreviated  transcribing  book 
for  the  head-quarters  of  the  County  Society,  please  enter  the  names 
of  the  Vice  Presidents  and  Directors,  as  well  as  those  of  the  other 
officers. 

14th.  County  Agents,  sometimes  tlirough  inadvcrtance,  re^jresent 
themselves  as  Agents  of  the  American  Bible  (Society,  which  of  course 


40 

they  arc  not,  hut  of  the  various  Couuty  Societies,  for  whieh  they  lahor. 
This  is  uot  only  a  misrepresentation,  hut  it  makes  the  imi)ression  that 
there  are  too  many  Ag;ents  of  the  Anieriean  Bible  Society,  and  when  an 
Agent  of  the  Parent  Society  labors  in  any  place,  the  people  cannot  un- 
serstancl  why  there  should  be  two  Agents  of  the  same  Society  in  the 
dame  county. 

loth.  In  some  cases  there  is  not  cave  enough  exercised  to  learn  the 
Post  Offices  of  Officers  and  Agents  of  Branch  Societies,  but  they  are  in- 
ferred without  asking.  Hence,  we  pay  postage  on  many  circulars,  &c., 
which  never  reach  those  to  whom  they  are  directed.  The  Post  Office  of 
each  Officer  and  Agent  should  be  learned  from  the  individual  Jiimself,  or 
from  those  who  are  certain  to  know,  unless  the  traveling  agent  is  certain 
beforehand. 

16th.  Some  agents  have  seemed  to  suppose  that  when  they  failed  to 
have  a  meeting,  they  must  postpone  the  work.  This  is  not  the  case,  as 
the  work  can  be  done  if  necessary,  without  a  meeting,  and  should  be  per- 
formed during  the  time  allotted  to  it  in  the  programme.  The  meeting  is 
of  less  importance  than  that  the  agent  perform  the  work  pointed  out  in 
the  guide.  The  necessary  results  can  not  be  secured  unless  he  visits 
from  house  to  house  himself,  and  if  he  will  do  this,  something  will  be  ac- 
complished w-hethcr  a  meeting  can  be  held  or  not.  He  can  also  get  the 
Society  to  work  even  without  a  meeting,  so  that  something  will  be  done 
after  he  leaves. 

17th.  The  importance  of  having  the  nature  of  the  annual  subscriptions 
fully  understood,  is  so  great  that  every  agent  is  solicited  to  read  carefully 
the  suggestions  relative  to  this  matter,  and  to  refer  to  them  often. 

18th.  Please  send  to  the  General  Agent  from  time  to  time,  the  names 
and  post  offices  of  wealthy  friends  of  our  cause,  so  that  they  may  be  furn- 
ished with  documents  that  will  keep  alive  their  interest,  and  perhaps  in- 
duce liberal  conti-ibutions. 

19th.  Please  also  furnish  statements  of  any  interesting  incidents  con- 
nected with  the  Bible  cause  suitable  for  publication  in  the  Record,  or  else- 
where. 

20th.  Should  there  be  anything  in  this  pamphlet,  or  in  the  mode  of 
operating,  not  fully  understood,  and  should  you  need  additional  informa- 
tion, the  General  Agent  will  be  happy  to  impart  it,  on  being  informed 
of  the  fact. 

Finally,  the  Bible  Agent  should  have  his  heart  in  the  work,  and 
endeavor,  by  every  consistent  method,  whether  suggested  in  the  fore- 
going observations  or  not,  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  cause  to 
which  he  has  pledged  his  time  and  his  energies. 


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ALPHABETICAL    INDEX. 


PAGE. 

American  Bible  Society,  its  method  of  operating,       -             -  -       1 

Agents,  need  of     -            -             -            -             -             -  -            3 

Accounts,  method  of  keeping  tlieni,  -            -            -            -  -     19 

"         specimens  of     -            -            -             -             -  -           oO 

"         auditing,     -             -            -            -             -            .  .     83 

Addresses  should  be  well  prepared,           -             -            -  -          35 

"         should  be  appropriate,         -            -             -             -  -     35 

"         should  be  Ijricf,             -            ....  35 

'         explanations  in  connection  with     -            -            -  -     35 

"         should  be  recorded,       -            -            -            -  -           3r> 

Articles  for  the  Press,              -             -             .             -            -  -     45 

Annual  Reports  of  the  A.  B.  S.,    -            -            -            -  -          46 

Annual  Meetings,  to  be  held  by  a  programme,            -            -  ■     "21 

"             "          how  notified,     -            -             -             - '  -           22 

"              "          accounts  to   be   settled  in  connection  with  -     22 
"             "          order  of  exercises  at          ....     23 

"             "          tnisiness  of  should  be  transacted,  even  if  but  few 

are  present,  -            -             -             -  -           23 

"             "          records  of  -            -             -             -             -  -     23 

"             "          duties  of  agent  after     .             ...  23 

Bibles  and  Testaments,  when  to  be  exhibited,             -             -  -     10 

"        "             "            should  not  be  sold  on  credit,        -  -           17 

"            should  be  ordered  judiciously,           -  -     34 

Branch  Societies,  their  importance,            -             -            -  -             1 

Bible  Society  Record,  subscriptions  to            -             -             -  -     17 

"                   "         for  agents  and  officers,        -            -  -          39 

"                    "         care  in  ordering  it,        -             -             -  -     40 

Ulank  Books,  their  form  and  cost,              -            -            -  -           19 

Bible  Meetings,  when  held,     -             -            -             -            -  -     29 

"           extra  ones,           .....  30 

County  Agents,  their  duties  and  qualifications,           -            -  -       5 

"        their  appearance  and  l)ehavior,    -            -  -             (5 

"             '■       should  l)e  Home  Missionaries,           -             -  -     42 

"             ''       should  be  persevering,     -             -            .  .          4;', 

*'             "       rapid  tours  of            -            -            -            -  -     28 

''             "       corresponding  secretaries  for  theii'  fields,  -            5 

"             "       additional  ones,         -             -             -             -  -     4U 

"             "        post-offices,           -            -             -            -  -          41 


00 

I'.V.K- 

County  Annual  Meeting,  when  held,  -                         -            .  -     28 

"            "             "         how  prepaiofl  for.  2S 

"            "             "        duties  after  it,         -             -  .     o'.) 
Complaints  of  predecessors,          -            -            -             .            -to 
Children's  Bible  fund,             ---...     ;]»( 

Conveyances,         -------  44 

Circulation  of  books  by  others,           -             -             -             .  .     ^t; 

County  summaries,            ------  47 

Documents,    --------       7 

Destitute,  care  not  to  wound  their  feelings,           -            -            -  jc, 

"         should  ha  iiu^p:pY\l^<\  thoroughly,        -            -            .  -     u; 

Efforts  among  foreigners,  ------  45 

General  Agent,  his  duties  and  (jualitications,  -           -            -  -      4 

"  "        correspondence  with        -  -  -  .41 

History  of  the  A.  B.  8.,          -            -             -            -            -  -     47 

Local  Agents  essential  to  the  system,       -            -            -            -  :jit 

"           "        errors  of  county  agents  with  regard  to  tliem,  -  -     30 

care  in  their  selection,         -            -            -            -  30 

volunteers  should  be  solicited,     -         -  •     ol 

"           "        females  preferable,  -            -            -            -            -  ;jl 

"        should  understand  that  the  work  is  ^A<?iVa(r«.  -  -     ;jl 

"        should  be  instructed  thoroughly,    -            -  .■',1 

"        should  be  required  to  report,  -            -            -  •     "il 

should  be  addi'essed  by  letter,        -            -  ;j-2 

Life  Members  of  branch  societies,       -            -            -            -  -     37 

"           "        of  county  societies,             -            -            -            -  38 

"         of  the  A.  B.  S.,             -            -            -            -  -     38 

Life  Directors,       ------  ;i!> 

Legacies,         -            -             -            -            -            -            -  38 

Maps,         -             -            -----  45 

Outfit, !• 

Organization  of  societies,  and  labors  in  connection  with  them,     -  10 

Pamphlets,      -            -            -            -            -            -            -  -     17 

Public  collections  should  be  avoided,         -            -            -            -  35 

Punctuality,    -             -            -            -            -            -            -  -    44 

Printing,     -                          -                         -             -             -             -  40 

Quarterly  Meetings  preferable  to  semi-annual  ones,    -            -  -     26 

"              "         their  objects,  -            -            -            -            •  26 

"              "         to  be  held  without  an  agent,        -            -  -    26 
"              "         agent  to  perform  his  duties  in  connection  with 

them  by  coiTespondencc,        -            -  -     26 

Subscriptions,  annual,  their  advantages,  -            -            -            -  2 

"                  "        importance  of  explaining  their  nature,  -     14 

"'                  "        method  of  collecting  them,            -            -  14 


56 


PAGE. 

13 
36 
14 
14 
36 
18 
24 
24 
25 


Subscriptions,  obtaining  new  ones,     .  -  - 

"  obtaining  large  ones,  .  .  -  - 

"  ([uarterly  .  .  .  .  - 

"  optional  or  transient  .  .  .  - 

''  superintendenceof  obtaining  them  in  public,  - 

Subscription  Bonks  to  be  left  with  local  agents  2}C.rsonaUi/, 

"  "      when  new  ones  should  be  made, - 

Subscription  and  Transcribing  Books  should  correspond, 
Semi-Annual  Meetings,  their  objects,  -  -  -  - 

"  "         duties  of  agents  in  connection  with  them,  25 

Supply  of  criminal  and  humane  institutions,  -  -  -     4C 

Signs,        --------  19 

Transcribing  Books,  when  made,        -  -  -  -  -     20 

"  "       how  disposed  of,        •  -  -  -  21 

Treasurer,  duties  of  his  office,  -  -  -  -  -     32 

''  importance  of  his  oflBce,  -  -  -  -  32 

"  should  be  selected  judiciously,      -  -  -  -     32 

"  should  be  properly  instructed,  -  -  -  -  32 

MISCELLANEOUS  ITEMS:  -  -  -  -  -     47 

Synopsis. — 1st.  Old  papers ;  2d.  Papers  should  be  returned  ;  3d.  Bi- 
}>le  money  to  be  ke_pt  by  itself;  4th.  Home  missionary  drafts  ;  oth. 
The  time  to  be  charged  for  ;  6th.  Traveling  expenses  ;  7th.  AYhat 
expenses  do  and  do  not  include  ;  8th.  Drawing  wages  ;  9th.  Printed 
papers  should  be  studied  and  taken  care  of ;  10th.  Accounts  with 
the  parent  society ;  11th.  Large  envelopes  ;  12th.  The  work  in  each 
branch  to  be  completed  before  leaving  it ;  13th.  County  transcribing 
book  to  contain  the  names  of  all  the  officers  ;  14th.  County  agents 
not  agents  of  the  parent  society  ;  15th.  Post-offices  of  officers  and 
local  agents  ;  16th.  Work  can  be  done  without  a  meeting ;  17th. 
Annual  subscriptions  ;  18th.  Names  of  wealthy  friends  ;  19th.  Inter- 
esting incidents  ;  20th.  Additional  information. 


DATE  DUE 


